Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8671

Introduced by Hon. Jerry P. Trefias

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The barangay is the most basic political subdivision of the Republic created by the Constitution. Its
officials and employees are directly involved with the day-to-day affairs of its constituents, dealing with our
country's citizens at the grassroots level.

The officials and employees of barangays are no different from the elected and appointed officials
and employees of the national government and local governments, They are hard-working civil servants
who are constantly in touch with their constituents, ever ready to provide leadership and assistance to the
members of their respective communities. During times of crisis and calamities, they are at the forefront of
the government's relief efforts and are the first to respond to the needs of their constituents. The leaders of
our barangays are manning the walls which serve as the first line of defense against all threats, both natural
and man-made, which compromise the safety and well-being of our citizens

Unfortunately, despite of their indispensable role and high importance, barangay officials and
employees are not properly compensated by the government. This proposed legislation aims to remedy this
situation by providing Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) coverage to all barangay officials and
employees.

The overworked and underpaid barangay officials and employees, however, are not even receiving a
regular living wage from the government, In so being, it is unrealistic and unconscionable to deduct GiSIS
contributions from the meagre honoraria of barangay officials and employees. This bill therefore proposes
for the national government to fully subsidize the GSIS premiums of barangay officials and employees. It is
only fair for the State to do so, considering that they are expecting full time work from people who are not
even paid like regular employees.

It is only fair and equitable for our public servants working at the barangay level to enjoy GSIS
benefits, The members of the Civil Service have GSIS benefits, while the self-employed, the employees
working in the private sector and the kasambahays have Social Security System (SSS) coverage. It is
therefore equitable and necessary for our barangay officials and employees to be covered by the GSIS.

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

JE} 1 IKENAS,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3671

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Jerry P. Trefias,

AN ACT INCLUDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE
COVERAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Declaration of Policy, - It is the policy of the State to provide insurance coverage to
all of its officials and employees. The State values the service of its barangay officials and employees,
and shall endeavor to improve their welfare and quality of life

Section 2, Coverage. - The Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawads, Barangay Tanods,
Barangay Secretary and Barangay Treasurer of all barangays of the Republic of the Philippines shall be
covered by this Act.

Section 3. GS/S Coverage. - The coverage of the GSIS is hereby expanded to include the
barangay officials and employees stated in the previous section, The GSIS, in consultation and
coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the league
representing barangay officials, shall issue the necessary rules and regulation to implement the
provisions of this Act which shall cover the rate of premiums to be paid exclusively by the national
government and the scope of the insurance coverage.

Section 4, Appropriation. - The national government of the Republic of the Philippines shall
appropriate annually and include in the General Appropriations Act the total annual premiums based on
the actual number of barangay officials and employees covered under section two hereof, as certified
by the DILG, and in accordance with the rules and regulations to be formulated to implement this Act
as provided by the previous section, The entire appropriation for the payments of the foregoing total
annual premiums shall be released annually to the GSIS. The GSIS shall conduct periodic actuarial
studies to determine the adequacy of the premiums paid by the national government, but shall not make
any changes to the premium rates without prior consultation with the DILG, the Department of Budget
and Management (DBM) and the representatives of the barangay officials and employees.

Section 5. Repealing Clause. — All provisions of laws, orders, decrees, including rules and
regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.

Section 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be


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in full force and effect.

Section 7. Hffectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved