“From whom much is expected, much should be given.”
This, said Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy V, is the rationale behind House Bill 2298, a measure that if enacted into law would provide barangay officials in the country’s 42,000 barangays with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) coverage.
“Unfortunately, unlike other government employees, they do not have basic benefits like GSIS coverage.”
Dy, who once served as President of the Liga ng Barangay, said that “our barangay captains, kagawads, and secretaries are the frontliners in the delivery of public service.”
“The government depends on them to help keep peace and order in communities and to aid in the implementation of key government programs,” said Dy, one of the youngest legislators in the country.
“If there are problems in a community, an emergency like a fire, or a natural calamity like floods, barangay officials are the first responders on the ground,” added the solon.
“Barangay officials work for our government and our people, just like other government employees. Unfortunately, unlike other government employees, they do not have basic benefits like GSIS coverage.”
Under the bill, GSIS coverage will be extended to barangay officials such as barangay captains, barangay councilors, and barangay secretaries.
Local government units will fully shoulder the GSIS premiums of barangay officials. The National Government, however, will shoulder 50% of the premiums in the cases of fourth, fifth, and sixth class municipalities.
Barangay officials who already enjoy GSIS benefits such as insurance, retirement pay, disability benefits, and health coverage will not be covered by the measure.