EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
HB.No, 5429

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 384, Chapter 1, Title 1, Book II of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as
the Local Government Code of 1991 states that the barangay, as the basic political unit,
"serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans,
programs, projects and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective
views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may

be amicably settled."

As of June 30, 2019, the Philippines has 42,025 barangays, which is the smallest
political unit of the nation. It serves as the channel of the government in delivering its
services to the citizenry. Given that barangays are in the front lines of government service,
more often than not, its officials are expected to function beyond the normal working hours.
However, even as they play a crucial role in government, they are not entitled to

compensation accorded to regular government workers.

This bill seeks to provide all Punong Barangays, Members of the Sangguniang
Barangay, Chairpersons of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Barangay Secretaries, Barangay
Treasurers and qualified members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, Barangay Health Workers,
Barangay Tanods, and other barangay volunteer workers social security benefits under the
programs of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (PhilHealth) and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDME).

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. No.

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR.

AN ACT
PROVIDING SOCIAL SECURITY AND NON-MONETARY BENEFITS TO ALL BARANGAY
OFFICIALS, WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Barangay Officials and Workers
Benefits Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of our barangay officials and workers being
at the forefront of public service. As such, the State is mandated to provide them
remuneration, benefits and other entitlements commensurate to their crucial role in nation-
building.

SECTION 3. Coverage. — All Punong Barangays, Members of the Sangguniang
Barangay, Chairpersons of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Barangay Secretaries, Barangay
Treasurers and qualified members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, Barangay Health Workers,
Barangay Tanods, and other barangay volunteer workers shall be automatically covered by
this Act: Provided, That the coverage for qualified barangay volunteer workers shall be made
in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations and based on the qualification standards
that may be established by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and

other government agencies concerned:

Provided, further, That when the barangay official or volunteer worker receives a
fixed salary whether in the same capacity or by virtue of a permanent appointment in any
other government office, by election to another public office or by employment in the private
sector, their coverage under this Act shall automatically cease and they shall then be covered
under the appropriate law/s: Provided, finally, That any of the abovementioned barangay


official or volunteer worker who shall automatically lose coverage or cease to be covered by
this Act by virtue of termination or resignation from office for any lawful cause shall have
the option to continue the coverage by paying the required premiums thereon in accordance

with pertinent laws and regulations.

SECTION 4. Membership in the Government Service Insurance System— The
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) shall establish a social insurance program to
provide life insurance and social protection to barangay officials, workers and its volunteer

workers in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.

SECTION 5. Enrolment in the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth) shall enroll non-member barangay officials, workers and its volunteer workers
into the National Health Insurance Program in accordance with pertinent laws and

regulations.

SECTION 6. Membership in the Membership Programs of the Home Development
Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund). — The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) shall
enroll non-member barangay officials, workers and volunteers into the applicable Pag-IBIG

Fund Membership Program, in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in
coordination with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG
Fund), in consultation with the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas (LnB), shall promulgate
the necessary implementing rules and regulations with respect to the implementation of the
provision of social security benefits of this Act within ninety (90) days after its effectivity.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - | f for any reason, any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or portions not affected thereby shall remain

in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules
and regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act, are hereby

deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.


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SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) days following its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,