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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

3304
House Bill No.__

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Barangay is defined as the basic administrative division in our country. It has also
been described to be the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies
and programs. And, at the heart of this planning and implementation lies the significant role
of barangay officials who are instrumental in directly delivering public service in the
community.

Under Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise known as The Government Service Insurance
System (GSIS) Act of 1997, membership in the GSIS shall be compulsory for all employees
receiving compensation. However, it does not automatically include barangay officials as its
members merely because Section 393 of the Local Government Code only provided that
barangay officials shall only receive honoraria - not compensation.

While the creation of GSIS is anchored in promoting the efficiency and welfare of the
government employees through social security and financial benefits, its amendment is
earnestly needed to show that the Government gives due recognition to barangay officials
for their contribution to a public service.

This bill seeks to amend R.A. 8291 by including barangay officials in the compulsory
membership of the GSIS in recognition of their years of service and dedication to promote
the welfare of the barangay and its residents. Through this compulsory membership,
barangay officials, just like any other government employee, can now also be entitled to an
array of social security benefits, such as life insurance benefits, separation or retirement
benefits, and disability benefits under the law.

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

RA.

Representifive, 2nd District of Tarlac


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES — )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 3304

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

AN ACT
SEEKING TO INCLUDE BARANGAY OFFICIALS IN THE COMPULSORY MEMBERSHIP OF
THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS), AMENDING FOR THIS
PURPOSE RA 8291 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 and quality of life of our elective barangay officials. The State values
the services of its barangay officials and shall endeavor to provide them with insurance
coverage to ensure efficient and effective performance of their duties and functions.

SECTION 2. Barangay Officials. - For purposes of this Act, barangay officials shall
refer to the Punong Barangay and the Sangguniang Barangay Members, whether elected or

appointed in accordance with Section 45 of the Local Government Code.

SECTION 3. Section 2(d) of Republic Act No 8291 is hereby further amended to read
as follows:

“SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. ~
XXX XXX XXX

(d) Employee or Member ~ Any person, receiving compensation while in the
service of an employer as defined herein, whether by election or appointment, irrespective of
status of appointment, including barangay and sanggunian officials WHETHER OR NOT
RECEIVING FIXED MONTHLY COMPENSATION;’

XXX XXX XXX"

SECTION 4. Section 2(i) of the same Republic Act is hereby further amended to read

as follows:

“SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. -


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XXX XXX XXX

() Compensation - The basic pay or salary received by an employee, pursuant
to his election/appointment, excluding per diems, bonuses, overtime pay, honoraria EXCEPT
IN THE CASE OF BARANGAY AND SANGGUNIAN OFFICIALS, allowances and any other
emoluments received in addition to the basic pay which are not integrated into the basic pay
under existing laws;*

XXX XXX XXX"

SECTION 5. Compulsory Coverage. - All barangay officials shall be included in the
compulsory membership of the Government Service and Insurance System under Section 3
of republic Act No. 8291.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Government Services and
Insurance System, in coordination and consultation with the Department of Interior and
Local Government, Liga ng mga Barangays and other agencies concerned, shall promulgate
and adopt such rules and guidelines as may be necessary for the proper implementation of
this Act.

SECTION 7. 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. 8. 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 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,