Press Release
December 14, 2015

Retirement benefits for barangay Officials, workers ok'd

The Senate today approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to grant retirement benefits to barangay officials and workers.

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, said the proposed measure seeks to compensate barangay officials and workers who currently receive minimal benefits.

"The dynamic officials and conscientious workers who are behind the active operation of the affairs of our barangays are left with measly benefits," Marcos said.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon also said the measure will make commensurate the compensation of barangay workers to the quality of service and assistance they are extending to their communities as well as to the national government.

"It is high time that we accord barangay leaders and workers the benefits the state is supposed to give those who serve in the front-lines of the as part of the government's basic political unit," the Senate chief said.

The measure proposes a retirement pay of P100,000 for qualified barangay chairman, P80,000 for the members of the Sangguniang Barangay and P50,000 for the barangay treasurer, secretary, tanod, member of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, Health and Day Care workers.

The measure also provides for the creation of a barangay retirement fund (BRF) for the retirement of barangay officials and workers.

"The amount equivalent to one percent of the share of the national government under Section 284 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, shall be used for this purpose," the bill stated.

In order to qualify, the retiring barangay official must be at least 60 years of age with a minimum of nine years in service at the time of retirement.

If an official or worker dies or becomes permanently incapacitated while in the performance of his duty, he shall be entitled to the benefit irrespective of age and number of years in service, according to the proposed bill.

Marcos said barangay officials and workers who only receive honoraria, allowances or other emoluments deserve more than mere recognition.

Meanwhile, the Senate also approved on final reading Senate Bill 2693 which allows barangay captains to administer the oath of office of any government officials and employees, including the President of the Philippines.

"Our barangay captains are the true representative of the people and at the frontline in delivering quality public service. Their active participation in political and economic development at the grassroot level cannot be over emphasized," Marcos said.

"It is therefore most significant and truly symbolic for barangay captains to be given authority to administer the oath of office of any government official, to include the President of the Philippines, since they are an important part of public governance," he added. (Olive Caunan)

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