To assist barangay captains in risky work-related conditions
ANGARA SEEKS TO ENSURE BARANGAY CAPTAINS' SAFETY

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today underscored the importance of providing additional benefits to Barangay Captains, who serves as the frontline of the government's initiatives for national development at the grassroot level.

"The Barangay Captain, as Executive Officer in the basic political unit of the country, implements developmental projects of the government. He is responsible for the critical role of enforcing the law to his community. It is thus, inevitable for them to encounter criminals and delinquent individuals with whom may pose a threat to their safety. This bill seeks to protect and assist our Barangay Captains in their death, injuries or sickness that they may incur while performing their jobs," informed Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee for Finance.

SB 906 or the Expanded Barangay Captains' Insurance Act of 2007 aims to provide supplemental benefits to Barangay Captains for death, injuries and sickness in the conduct of their official duties and functions. Also, it will serve as an assurance for them and their families in return for their difficult work of being exposed to certain work-related risks.

However, Sen. Angara clarified that there are certain restrictions to which the Barangay Captains may be granted a death benefit of P250, 000, burial expenses of P50, 000 and an entitlement to reimbursement of actual medical expenses in an amount not exceeding P50, 000 caused by assassination, accident and other similar circumstances while in the conduct of their official duties and functions. These are the following:

1. Gross negligence on the part of the Barangay Captain;

2. Willful intention to injure or kill oneself;

3. Habitual drunkenness or intoxification

4. Unauthorized absence or abandonment of office for at least one (1) month prior to the injury, sickness or death;

5. Such analogous grounds and circumstances

"This bill is in addition to the benefits that Barangay Captains will be receiving from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) under Republic Act No. 8291. The quick enactment of this bill will ensure that our local government officers will be provided with appropriate assistance in cases of uncontrollable and risky circumstances related to the Barangay Captain's responsibilities," added Angara.