For brgy. officials, health workers ABC prexy not keen on fare discounts

CEBU, Philippines - While the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) expressed appreciation for the proposal to grant fare discounts on transportation to barangay officials and health workers similar to what has been granted to students and senior citizens nationwide, ABC President Michael Ralota thinks it is no longer necessary.

An ex-officio member of the Cebu City Council, Ralota said the proposed discount would mean a lot to barangay officials and health workers but said it would be difficult for jeepney drivers and operators.

“Dili man siguro na maayo uy. Mura’g sobra ra pud na, (It would be too much.)” Ralota said.

Ralota said that while the proposed House Bill No. 5903 sponsored by Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David of the 4th District, Manila, is certainly a big help to barangay officials and workers, he feels that driver and operators would also be affected.

The proposed bill, whose intended beneficiaries are incumbent Barangay Chairman, Barangay Kagawads/Councilmen, the Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairmen, intends to grant a twenty percent discount to all barangay officials during their incumbency and barangay health workers.

Bonoan-David said barangay officials and barangay health workers play a vital role in delivering basic services to the grassroots level.

Ralota said that instead of fare discounts, they should instead focus on granting monetary or non-monetary benefits from the government like increasing the hazard benefits for officials and health workers.

Ralota acknowledged that the motive of Bonoan-David is for the welfare of the barangay officials and health workers but said it is no longer necessary considering the honorarium given to barangay officials.

If the bill will be approved, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), are directed to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations. — (FREEMAN)