Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2298
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to include the Punong Barangays, Barangay Kagawads,
Barangay Secretaries and Barangay Treasurers in the coverage of the Government
Service Insurance System (SIS).

Barangay Officials are frontliners in the delivery of basic government services
to the people. As local community leaders, they play a crucial role in bringing forth
development and keeping the peace in their respective areas. The Local Government
Code of 1991 (RA 7160) mandates them to plan and implement policies, programs,
projects and activities that will achieve these objectives. They are also tasked to
provide the forum where collective views of the people may be expressed, crystalized,
and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.

Despite their important roles, however, Barangay Officials are not considered
members of the GSIS. This bill seeks to change this unreasonable state of affairs. The
proposed measure, once enacted, will augment the meager compensation and benefits
enjoyed by Barangay Officials by including them in the coverage of the GSIS Law.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ISTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2298
Introduced by REP. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8291, ALSO KNOWN AS THE
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM ACT OF 1997, EXPANDING
THE MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS OF THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE
INSURANCE SYSTEM TO COVER BARANGAY OFFICIALS,

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote the welfare of Barangay Officials, who make democracy function in the
smallest territorial and political subdivision of the government. As part of the
promotion of their welfare, the State shall ensure that they are covered by existing
insurance, medical and health service programs of the government under existing
laws.

SECTION 2. Barangay Officials — For purposes of this Act, Barangay Officials shall
refer to Punong Barangays, Barangay Kagawads, Barangay Secretaries and Barangay
Treasurers, whether elected or appointed, in accordance with Section 45 of the Local
Government Code (RA 7160).

SECTION 3. Coverage — The coverage of the Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS) is hereby expanded by including Barangay Officials as members of the system.
Section 2 (i) of Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise known as the Government Service
Insurance System Act of 1997 is hereby amended to read as follows:

() Compensation - The basic pay or salary received by an employee,
pursuant to his election/appointment, excluding per diems, bonuses,
overtime pay, honoraria, allowances and any other emoluments


received in addition to the basic pay which are not integrated into the
basic pay under existing laws, IN THE CASE OF BARANGAY
OFFICIALS, THEIR COMPENSATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF
DETERMINING THEIR CONTRIBUTION, SHALL BE COMPUTED
BY ADDING THE AMOUNT OF THE HONORARIA,
ALLOWANCES, AND SUCH OTHER COMPENSATION THAT
THEY REGULARLY RECEIVE AS MAY BE ALLOWED BY LAW OR
ORDINANCE.

Section 4. The provinces, cities or municipalities, subject to the availability of funds of
the local government unit, may opt to contribute or subsidize the monthly
contributions of said Barangay Officials.

Section 5. Limitation of the Coverage — The Barangay Officials already enjoying
insurance, retirement, disability, separation, unemployment benefit, health and
medical insurance from the government shall not be covered by this Act.

Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within three (3) months after the
passage of this Act, the GSIS in consultation with the Department of the Interior and
Local Government, Civil Service Commission, and the Liga ng Barangay shall issue
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. The rules
and regulations shall cover the rate of premiums and the manner of its payment, the
extent of insurance coverage, and the participation of the local government units and
the National Government.

Section 7. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 8, Separability Clause— If any part of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional for any reason whatsoever, such declaration shall in no way affect
the other parts or section of this Act.

Section 9. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
the Philippines.

Approved.