Discussion starts on proposed barangay reforms

CEBU, Philippines - Nationwide consultations on the proposed Barangay Reform Law kicked off in Cebu yesterday.

Leading the consultation was Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, who said he wants to get the pulse of barangay officials on what reform they want to be included in the proposal, which seeks to amend the term limits of barangay captains and barangay councilors from three years to six years.

Aside from this, benefits of barangay officials, including barangay tanods and barangay health workers, inclusive of retirement benefits, will also be incorporated in the bill.

Guingona conducted consultations among barangay officials of Minglanilla, Naga City, Carcar City, Aloguinsan, Dumanjug, Ronda and Moalboal.

Meanwhile, Guingona will attend today’s Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City for the National Day of Healing for Peace and Unity.

Guingona is one of the sponsors of Senate Resolution No. 1209 that declared March 6, 2015, the 40th day after the bloody Mamasapano incident, as national day of healing.

“On this day, simultaneous events will be held in cities nationwide to remember those who perished in Mamasapano as well as the thousands of lives lost from decades of armed conflict, and to call for the Filipino people to stand for justice and stay the course of peace,” the resolution reads.

Aside from Guingona, the other co-authors are senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and Aquilino Pimentel III.

The resolution added that there is an imperative and urgent need to pause and re-assess the common aspiration to bring peaceful solutions to the nation’s problems.

Guingona added that the Senate continues to push for the creation of a Truth Commission to consolidate all the findings of investigations conducted on the Fallen44.

“There has to be a Truth Commission to consolidate all the findings from various investigations. Kay lisud og conflicting ang mga findings, kung walay Truth Commission, who will reconcile all the findings?” said Guingona.

Guingona added that in two weeks, the Senate will release its findings on the investigation into the bloody encounter that killed the 44 SAF commandos.  (FREEMAN)