The FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist will fight for the regularization and fair compensation of Barangay Tanod nationwide, recognizing their crucial community roles.
There’s no exact number of Barangay Tanod (Village Watchmen) in the 42,046 barangays in the Philippines. Their numbers vary from four to twelve based on the population of the area they cover. The members of the Barangay Tanod are appointed by the Sangguniang Barangay.
They receive allowances, with a minimum of ₱1,000, as mandated by law. According to Barangay Captain Reil Briones of Talao Talao, Lucena City, the tanod’s allowance is almost only a thousand per month plus insurance coverage.
Randy De Silva, a tanod in Barangay San Pablo, Binalonan Pangasinan, said, “Our allowance is P1,200 per month. We only receive rice during aid distribution.” According to Brian Poe Llamanzares, the first nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan partylist, they are frontliners enforcing law and public safety in the barangay.
They deserve care from the government. Barangay Tanods patrol local areas, especially at night, supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in crime prevention and control.
They also respond to emergencies and alarms. Efforts to improve their benefits and incentives are underway, exemplified by Senate Bill No. 2 filed in 2007, which aims to amend the Local Government Code of 1991.
Pending proposals in Congress include financial benefits such as monthly allowances (₱2,000-₱5,000), hazard pay (₱1,000-₱2,000), rice subsidies (20-50 kilos per month), and transportation allowances (₱500-₱1,000 monthly).
These proposed benefits acknowledge the Tanods’ essential role in maintaining community peace and order, with the support of the FPJ Panday Partylist.
Other suggested benefits include job security through permanent appointments rather than co-terminus ones with the serving Barangay Captain, and free legal assistance to protect against harassment and intimidation, which often occur when Tanods confront or arrest prominent individuals. Brian Poe expressed support for these changes.
metrosundaily
