A lawmaker from Mindanao has proposed that barangay officials be given fixed salaries as well as be declared regular government employees.
Rep. Paolo Duterte of Davao City, filing House Bill 502, said “It is high time that our barangay officials be given what is due for them and recognize their vital role in carrying out government activities to the communities.”
The bill proposes to provide fixed salaries for barangay officials and declare them as regular government employees in order for them to receive just compensation and other benefits government employees are receiving.
Duterte said that as the basic political unit, the barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government projects, programs, and policies.
“In fact, most of the national government’s efforts require intervention and support of the barangay as they are the closest form of government to the people,” he said.
Under the bill, barangay officials must be covered by the Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth, and the Pag-Ibig Fund benefits.
The barangay chairman and members of the barangay council are receiving compensation in the form of an honorarium and not a fixed salary within the compensation system that will provide just remuneration for the wide range of roles and responsibilities.