For Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, barangay watchmen ("tanods") are the country's indispensable, unsung first responders who deserve more benefits.

Specifically, Yamsuan is eyeing the grant of Christmas bonuses, free legal aid and other benefits for barangay tanods through legislation, in recognition of their indispensable role in maintaining peace and order. 

Yamsuan has filed in the current 20th Congress House Bill (HB) No. 6598, which sought to upgrade the benefits and incentives currently being received by barangay tanods who have rendered at least one year of service. 

At the same time, the Parañaque lawmaker  also urged  local government units (LGUs) to invest more in strengthening the capabilities of barangay tanods by equipping them with proper gear and equipment. 

“Barangay tanods serve as the government’s frontliners in ensuring that every corner of our communities remains safe, especially at night when most of us are resting. Hindi natin sila halos napapansin habang tinutupad nila ang kanilang mga tungkulin na minsan ay naglalagay pa sa panganib sa kanilang buhay," said Yamsuan, a former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assistant secretary.

(We hardly notice them as they carry out their duties, which at times, even place their lives in danger.)

“Yet the benefits that barangay tanods receive are not commensurate with their commitment to public service, not to mention with the risks they face every day,” he added. 

Yamsuan issued the call after the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced earlier that it was tapping barangay tanods as force multipliers in implementing the DILG’s Safer Cities Initiative, especially in ensuring secure learning environments in schools. 

Barangay tanods are also in charge of implementing local ordinances that impose curfew on minors, and prohibit drinking alcohol, roaming shirtless in public places, and the use of karaoke beyond allowed hours. These are all part of the Safer Cities Initiative. 

Even before the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative, barangay tanods have long been deployed to patrol crime-prone areas and  respond to altercations and disturbances. 

The proposed benefits under HB No.6598 include the grant of Christmas bonuses equivalent to at least half of that received by the Punong Barangay, and prioritizing them in availing of barangay livelihood and development projects. 

In championing the watchmen's welfare, Yamsuan has also proposed under the bill to provide them with insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the Punong Barangay, along with free legal assistance in any criminal or civil case filed against them for acts committed in the line of duty.

HB Ni.6598 also protects the tenure of barangay tanods. The bill states that once appointed, tanods shall not be removed or their services terminated except for causes enumerated by the barangay resolution creating the barangay tanod brigade.

Under the measure, the decision to remove a barangay tanod for cause shall rest upon the decision of the sangguniang barangay.

“Despite their many tasks, the welfare of barangay tanods seems to have been neglected under our current laws, which provide them with meager benefits," Yamsuan said. 

“Our proposed measure aims to upgrade their benefits and provide  them enough protection against the risks that they may encounter as the PNP’s force multipliers,” added the solon, who filed the bill as part of his H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunities and jobs, Peace and order and Education) legislative agenda.