Angara bats for more perks for b’gay heads

Sen. Edgardo Angara sought yesterday for additional benefits for barangay captains to help them provide better services to their constituents.

“The barangay captain, as executive officer, implements developmental projects of the government. Over time, the barangay has evolved as a critical factor in the implementation and success of the government’s law enforcement agenda,” Angara said.

As such, Angara drafted the Expanded Barangay Captain’s Insurance Act, which will provide supplemental benefits to barangay executives in case of death, injury and sickness while performing their job.

Under the bill, the family of a barangay captain may claim death benefits amounting to P250,000 provided the death was caused by assassination, accident or other similar circumstances while in the conduct of official duty, and burial expenses not exceeding P50,000.

In addition, a barangay executive may also seek reimbursement for actual medical expenses not exceeding P100,000 for injuries sustained from attempted assassination, accident or other similar circumstances while in the conduct of official duty.

“In the performance of (their) functions, barangay captains inevitably cross paths with criminals. It comes with the territory. It’s a fact that a good number of barangay captains and their families have become the victims of vengeance and retaliation,” Angara said.

However, the proposed benefits shall not be given if death, sickness or injury was caused by the following: gross negligence of the barangay captain; willful intention to injure or kill oneself; habitual drunkenness or intoxication; unauthorized absence or abandonment of office for at least one month prior to the injury, sickness or death; or such analogous grounds and circumstances.

“In the implementation of government policies, plans and programs, the barangay, as the basic political unit of the country, plays a very significant role. By providing (barangay captains) with benefits, it ensures smooth implementation of the government’s initiatives for national development at the grassroots level,” Angara said.