Every time a new barangay chairman
is elected, a new set of barangay secretary and treasurer is appointed. This usually results to disorganization of
records as well as finances of the barangay.
In some instances, the staff of
losing barangay officials even sabotage barangay records as a form of
retaliation to the new set of officials or to hide anomalies committed.
Such a situation unduly compromises
the efficiency, effectiveness and continuity of operations of the government unit closest to the people.
A bill seeking to provide security
of tenure to barangay secretary and treasurer to ensure continuous and reliable
public service at the barangay level has been filed at the House of
Representatives.
Palawan
Rep. Frederick Abueg filed House Bill 5287 to amend Republic Act 7160 or the
“Local Government Code” to make the barangay secretary and the barangay
treasurer regular plantilla positions.
“Aside
from entitling these barangay officials the benefits accorded to permanent
government employees, they will also be provided security of tenure and
restrict their removal from office unless for a just cause,” he said.
The
bill is now under consideration by the House Committee on Local Government.
“There
is no doubt that the Barangay Secretary and Barangay Treasurer are burdened by
the bulk of administrative work on their shoulders. Yet, their compensation in
the form of honoraria is inadequate for the gravity of work they perform,”
Abueg said.
A
barangay secretary is in charge of keeping the barangay records, preparing
necessary documents and agenda of the meetings, and taking down the minutes of
meetings, while a barangay treasurer is responsible for collecting and issuing
official receipts for taxes or payments accruing to the barangay treasury,
disbursing of funds in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law.
He
or she also provides an inventory of all barangay assets under his/her
custody and other duties as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. (Manila Bulletin)
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