By Charissa L. Atienza
Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano wants to grant Christmas bonus and other benefits and incentives to barangay tanods.
He filed House Bill 6627 to upgrade the benefits and incentives of barangay tanods who have rendered at least one year of service in any barangay.
“It is very fortunate, however, that our existing laws have not fully recognized their sacrifices and worth to our communities. Although they are given some benefits, these are not enough to commensurate with the risk they encounter in the performance of their duties,” Alejano said.
HB 6627 grants barangay tanods Christmas bonus equivalent to at least one half of what the barangay captain is receiving as mandated by law or ordinance and insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the barangay captain.
Under the bill, barangay tanods shall also receive free legal services from government lawyers for criminal and civil cases against them and preference in the availment of and or membership in barangay livelihood and development projects, whether initiated by the national government and local government unit.
“The upgrading of the benefits and incentives afforded to our barangay tanods recognizes the vital role they play in maintaining peace and order and social stability in our barangays,” Alejano said.
HB 6627 tasks the Department of Interior and Local Government to issue the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act.