Barangay watchmen lobbying for medical, legal benefits

CEBU, Philippines - The organization of barangay tanods or watchmen in Talisay City is batting for PhilHealth medical insurance coverage for all its active members, as well as the availability of lawyers once they face charges in court that are in line with their services.

Enrique Bustillo, a barangay tanod in San Roque and was elected president of Barangay Chief Tanods in the city, said the lack of appropriate benefits, including health insurance, is one of grievances aired by most barangay tanods in the city's 22 total barangays.

Bustillo lamented that barangay tanods continue to receive meager benefits from government despite their critical service to their communities.

Earlier, the city government organized a group of tanod chiefs and elected officers from among themselves. Mayor Johnny De los Reyes then promised to give them PhilHealth insurance coverage and provide them lawyers in litigations arising from the performance of their duties.

"Manghinaot lang mi nga tumanon sa siyudad ang saad nga hatagan og benepisyo ang mga tanod sama sa PhilHealth ug hatagan og abogado kung makasuhan panahon sa paghigayon sa serbisyo sa barangay," Bustillo said.

Barangay tanods receive limited benefits and privileges under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Even in big cities like Cebu City, tanods typically receive a monthly honorarium of only P600 to P1,000,  especially in the mountain barangays. In Talisay City, Bustillo said they are receiving a P2,500 per month as honorarium.

According to Bustillo, most barangay tanods receive inadequate allowance or honoraria such that they cannot afford the cost of hospitalization and medicines.

Charles Basillote, the coordinator of barangay affairs, said the city government will be providing uniforms to the tanods. A former president of the Association of Barangay Council, Basillote said the city wants to have a centralized tanod uniforms.  

City Councilor Raul Cabañero, who is the council chairman of the Committee on Barangay Affairs, said he already approved the request of the Barangay Council of San Isidro and Lawaan II asking for tanod uniforms. The procurement of uniforms for the tanods in the two barangays will be chargeable to Cabañero's Local Assistance Fund.

"The uniform will not only confer them reputable appearance in normal day-to-day operations and during special events and activities, but it will be helpful for recognition purposes as well," Cabañero said. — (FREEMAN)