RECOGNIZING the unparalleled service of the most basic political unit in our society, Quezon City Rep. PM Vargas calls for the inclusion of barangay officials – elected and appointed – in the coverage of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
“Barangay officials are the blood that keeps the government running especially in the grassroots and community level. It is only right and just that government benefits, specifically in insurance as a social security tool, be extended to include our noble leaders in the barangay,” Vargas said.
The lawmaker has filed House Bill 3355 or the Mandatory GSIS Coverage for Barangay Officials Act, emphasizing that since the establishment of Barangay Election Act of 1982, barangay officials only make do of their measly compensation and limited benefits in the performance of their duties.
A similar House Bill was filed by Vargas’ elder brother, former Rep. Alfred Vargas, which stated the need to provide additional benefits to allow barangay officials to take care of themselves and their families when the worst case scenario happens to them.
“As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections is fast-approaching, it is high time to take care of incoming barangay officials who serve as our partners in our contribution to nation-building,” he said.
The proposed coverage shall include elective barangay officials namely Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay Members, and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson. The same benefit shall also be extended to appointees, namely barangay treasurer, barangay secretary, chief tanod and barangay admin.
The bill also mandates Local Government Units to devise lawful systems and programs allowing them to contribute or subsidize the monthly contributions to GSIS of the barangay officials.
“It is our duty to ensure that our government frontliners in the barangay level are covered by the existing insurance, medical, and health service programs of the government under existing laws,” Vargas said.
