Brgy officials seek more benefits

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay officials are seeking the implementation of the law that gives more benefits to them.

In yesterday’s opening of the First Regional Summit on Barangay Governance held in Lapu-Lapu City, Liga Ng mga Barangay national president Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri said the Local Government Code stipulated the benefits of barangay officials.

At least 1,000 from Central Visayas attended the event.

However, Echiverri said the problem is the lack of implementation because of the non-availability of funds.

According to Echiverri, barangay captains should unite to lobby the matter to the national government.

He also said congressmen and senators should pass bills giving more benefits to barangay officials.

Aside from Christmas bonus, insurance coverage, medical care, barangay officials are also entitled civil service eligibility.

Under the Local Government Code, barangay tanods should have insurance and other benefits.

Senator Antonio Trillanes said he is now pushing for the approval of his bill providing for a 20-year development plan for barangays.

Under his proposed measure, Trillanes said the government shall appropriate a seed fund of P20 billion to accelerate the development of all barangays.

Former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, on the other hand, said barangay officials played an important role in the country’s development.

Zubiri said it’s time for barangay officials to have full support from the national government.

He said barangays should be given more support as they are the frontline of defense against criminality

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, for his part, called on barangay officials to unite and work hard for the development of their respected areas.

Liga ng mga Barangay regional chairman Michael Ralota said the summit aims to come up with a united stand on issues affecting barangay officials.

Meanwhile, Zubiri assured mayors and barangay captains in Central Visayas of his continued support.

Zubiri said municipalities and cities in Central Visayas had received P1 million each under his One Town and One City Program.

He said he also allocated funds for the construction of a children’s building at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

The former senator also allocated funds for indigents admitted to the VSMMC.

Yesterday’s event was Zubiri’s first engagement outside Metro Manila after his resignation from the Senate.

“Daghan kaayo sa atong mga opisyal sa Sugbo ang nabalaka sa dihang kita nakahukom sa pag-luwat sa atong katungdanan pagka-senador gumikan sa ilang mga proyekto,” said Zubiri.  (FREEMAN)