Retirement pay for barangay officials pushed

An ordinance that seeks to provide retirement gratuity pay to elected barangay officials in Cebu City is being pushed at the City Council.

Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he filed the proposed measure because under the Local Government Code, retirement is not part of the barangay officials’ enumerated benefits.

He said that providing retirement benefits, allowances and other emoluments to village officials is not prohibited.

Under Garcia’s proposed ordinance, qualified elected barangay councilors will receive P3,000 for every year of service while barangay captains will receive P5,000 for every year of service.

Sangguniang Kabataan officials and other appointed barangay officials are not covered.

Qualifications

Those who are qualified to claim the retirement benefits, if the ordinance is approved, are officials who have served at least one year in the barangay. Excluded are those who were ordered dismissed from service.

In the case of a barangay official’s death, his or her legal heirs will claim the benefits.

The mayor is tasked to implement the ordinance, if passed, and draft its implementing rules and regulations.

The proposed ordinance also requires the Office of the Mayor to set aside a yearly appropriation for the program.

Garcia’s proposed ordinance was referred to the committee on laws, committee on budget and finance, and the barangay affairs office for their comment and recommendation.

Asked about the matter, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Philip Zafra said they support Garcia’s measure, saying that barangay officials have contributed a lot in the development of the barangays, especially in the delivery of basic services.

“They have sacrificed a lot and are accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week to their constituents and yet they are the lowest paid. Likewise, they are receiving only an honoraria. Upon retirement of service, they don’t have benefits. Thus, this measure is worthy of our support,” he said. (SunStar Cebu)

PHOTO CREDIT:  Image of Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Cebu City Website.