Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Continuity of Barangay Operations Sought



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)

No comments:

Post a Comment