Go seeks cash incentives for barangay officials

Sen. Bong Go said it is high time that barangay leaders be recognized for their efforts and hard-work. #BongGo #barangaycompensation

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday said he will suggest to President Rodrigo Duterte that cash incentives be given to barangay officials in December and middle of 2020 if funds are available.

“I will suggest to President Duterte that our barangay officials be given cash incentives this December while we await the passage of the law,” said Go, referring to Senate Bill 391 that provides for a Magna Carta for Barangay.

“It is high time we recognize their efforts and hard-work. Sila ang nagsisilbing pundasyon ng ating pamahalaan. Sa ating mga barangay nag-uumpisa ang kaunlaran ng ating bansa,” the senator said at the Technical Working Group meeting on Local Government joint with Ways and Means, Finance, Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, and Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation.

“Our barangays are not on autopilot. They are manned by these hard-working and dedicated individuals who, despite their seemingly thankless job, are committed to ensuring that our barangays serve the purpose they are intended for,” Go added.

The senator lamented that barangay officials have always been underappreciated and only receiving honoraria and some benefits instead of a regular salary, hazard pay, and other allowances granted to other government workers.

SB 391, or the Magna Carta for Barangays Act of 2019, seeks to “further strengthen the barangays, recognizing their critical role as the country’s basic political unit and frontliner in the delivery of government services.”

However, during the discussions, the proposed SB 391 was transformed into the Barangay Services Compensation Act which will provide for additional compensation as benefits to barangay officials.