BARANGAY OFFICIALS AS GSIS MEMBERS--VILLAR

AS a token merit for their untold sacrifices and their dedication to their job, Senator Cynthia Villar vouches for the inclusion of thousands of barangay officials in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) coverage.

In her bill, SBN 301, otherwise known as "An Act Including Barangay Officials within the Coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Villar sought for the expansion of the system to include barangay officials as members.

The GSIS, in consultation and coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the league representing barangay captains and officials, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of Villar's bill.

"The rules and regulations shall cover the rate of premiums and the manner of its payment, the extent of insurance coverage, the contributions to be collected from barangay officials concerned and the possible contributions of provinces, cities and municipalities," said Villar.

This will also include the possible fund that may be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and other issues of significance.

"Any other provision of law, decree, orders and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly," further read Villar's bill.

In filing the bill, the senator noted that barangay officials have been actively providing round-the-0clock security in the country's communities to ensure the safety of residents.

Barangay officials are also tasked to thresh out differences among neighbors in the Katarungan Pambarangay, and enforce basic laws and policies.

"This legislation augments the meager compensation and benefits enjoyed by the barangay officials by making them part and covered by GSIS," stressed Villar, adding that the barangay officials are in the first line of access in terms of delivering basic services.

In the Local Government Code of 1991, Villar said the role of barangay officials is aptly recognized as they play the day-today operations of governance.

"Early cognizant of this policy measure is earnestly recommended," concluded the former congresswoman.