42,000 barangay executives urge government to release benefits

MANILA, Philippines - A group representing the country’s 42,000 barangay officials appealed to the national government Monday to give their their “fundamental benefits,” as prescribed in the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160).

National Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) president Ricojudge Echiverri said their group expressed full support for the “Barangay 393 Movement,” which revolves around the implementation of Section 393 of RA 7160.

He said Section 393 mandates that during their incumbency, barangay chairmen, barangay council members, treasurers and secretaries should be entitled to insurance coverage, death and burial benefits, Christmas bonus, free medical care and exemption from paying tuition and matriculation fees for their legitimate dependent children and civil service eligibility.

Barangay officials and other employees should be given what is due them “because they are always at the frontlines when it comes to providing basic government services to the public” and are often at risk while performing their duties, Echiverri said.

He said that aside from barangay officials, barangay tanods and members of the barangay justice system should “also receive honoraria, allowances and such other emoluments as may be authorized by law.”

“At present, some state colleges and universities still do not provide free tuition to barangay officials’ dependents. We do not have health and life insurance,” Echiverri said, but noted that the LNB is allowed to enter into contracts with private companies for these benefits.

Echiverri appealed to top leaders from the national government to support them in their cause to advance the interest of LNB members. – Pete Laude