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Republic of the Philippines Key
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES //3 RECEIVED

Diliman, Quezon City

20 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2004

Introduced by: HON. MARK ANTHONY G. SANTOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Barangay officials and workers are the everyday heroes of our communities, and the
most immediate bridge of the people to our government. They are at the forefront of
public service, tirelessly implementing programs, maintaining peace and order,
delivering basic social services, and responding to emergencies, often with limited
resources and recognition. These dedicated individuals, perform their duties with
unwavering commitment, willingly exposing themselves to various risks and
challenging conditions.

Despite their indispensable contributions and the inherent dangers associated with
their roles, many barangay officials and workers, particularly the volunteers, receive
inadequate compensation and lack comprehensive social protection. This disparity
affects their capacity to effectively serve, and fails to fully recognize the vital role
they play in the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. The absence of such benefits,
including hazard pay, leaves them vulnerable to financial and health crises
especially when faced with work-related injuries, illnesses, or other unforeseen
circumstances.

Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution states that “The State shall afford full protection
to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full
employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.” Republic Act No.
7160 also provides that the Barangay shall serve as the basic political unit which



families. Crucially, this bill introduces Hazard Pay to compensate those who bravely face
dangerous or difficult working conditions, acknowledging the risks inherent in their service.

By providing these essential benefits, this Act intends to uplift the welfare of barangay officials
and workers, motivate them to continue their dedicated service, and ultimately strengthen the
delivery of public services at the grassroots level, in consonance with the constitutional
mandate to protect labor and the spirit of local autonomy. This measure is a testament to the
nation's gratitude and commitment to those who serve at the very foundation of our governance
structure

MARK ANTHONY G. SANTOS,
Representative, Lone District of Las Pifias


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Diliman, Quezon City

20 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2004

Introduced by: HON. MARK ANTHONY G. SANTOS

AN ACT PROVIDING SOCIAL SECURITY AND ADDITIONAL
BENEFITS TO ALL BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND WORKERS,
INCLUDING HAZARD PAY, 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 Workers’
Benefits Act"

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to empower government officials and public volunteer workers at the
grassroots level. In line with this policy and in cognizance of the crucial role of
barangay officials and volunteer workers in nation building, the State shall, through
the provision of social security benefits and additional benefits, protect their rights
and promote their welfare, and afford them full protection as laborers enshrined
under the 1987 Constitution.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — The following terms, as used herein,
shall mean:


1. Barangay - the basic political unit as defined in Republic Act No. 7160,
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991

2. Barangay Officials - refer to the Punong Barangay, seven (7)
Sangguniang Barangay Members, the Sangguniang Kabataan
Chairperson, the Barangay Secretary, and the Barangay Treasurer.

3. Barangay Workers - refer to accredited individuals who voluntarily or

officially render services in the barangay, including but not limited to

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars

(BNS), Barangay Tanods, Day Care Workers, members of the Lupong

Tagapamayapa, and other duly recognized barangay-based volunteers

or personnel.

4. Hazard Pay - additional compensation provided for persons who are
exposed to dangerous, unhealthy, or difficult working conditions, or
who perform duties in areas or situations where foreseeable but

unavoidable risks exist that may adversely affect their health or safety.

5. Local Government Unit (LGU) - refers to the provincial, city, and
municipal governments of the Philippines.

SECTION 4. Coverage — The Barangay Officials and Barangay Workers as
defined in Section 3 of this Act, shall be automatically covered by the provisions of
this Act: Provided, That the coverage for qualified barangay volunteer workers shall
be made in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations in addition to the
qualification standards established by the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG): Provided, further, That when the barangay official or worker
receives a fixed salary by virtue of an appointment to another government office, or
employment in the private sector, their coverage under this Act shall automatically
cease.

SECTION 5. Benefits and Incentives. — All covered Barangay Officials and
Barangay Workers shall be entitled to the following benefits and incentives:

1. Hazard Pay - Barangay Officials and Barangay Workers who are
exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, or factors in their work
environment or place of duty, or who perform duties that inherently
involve risk to their health or life, shall be entitled to Hazard Pay. The
amount and specific conditions for the grant of Hazard Pay shall be


determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in
consultation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and other relevant agencies, taking into consideration the
relevant circumstances and prevailing government policies, rules, and
regulations on hazard pay.

2. Membership in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) -
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) shall establish a
social insurance program to provide life insurance and social protection
to barangay officials and volunteer workers in accordance with
pertinent laws and regulations.

3. Enrollment 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 and volunteer workers into the National
Health Insurance Program in accordance with pertinent laws and
regulations.

4. Enrollment in the Home Development Mutual Fund (PagIBIG Fund)
- The Home Development Mutual Fund (PagIBIG Fund) shall enroll
non-member barangay officials and volunteer workers into the
PagIBIG Fund Voluntary Membership Program in accordance with
pertinent laws and regulations.

SECTION 6. Report to Congress. — The GSIS, PhilHealth and PagIBIG
Fund shall submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the
Barangay Officials and Volunteer Workers’ Social Security Benefit Program no later
than June 30 of every year. This report shall contain the necessary actuarial studies
and calculations to ensure the sustainability of the social security benefits program
and the financial stability of their respective agencies. GSIS, PhilHealth and
PagIBIG Fund shall submit their respective report either in printed form or by way
of electronic document.

SECTION 7. Funding. — The funding or appropriations necessary for the
implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act following its enactment into law.

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall,
in coordination with the GSIS, the PagIBIG Fund, and the PhilHealth and after


consultation with other directly affected stakeholders, promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause.— If 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 10. Repealing Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.