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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill no.__5005

Introduced by Representatives Leni Gerona-Robredo, Kaka Bag-ao, Bolet
B. Banal, Ma. Lourdes Acosta - Alba

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Barangay serves as the smallest administrative component in our country. It is
the primary unit where policies, plans, and various projects are implemented.
Development in the Barangay level is vital for our country’s continued growth, An
environment where citizens are part in the implementation of policies and protection
of their localities is needed to strengthen Barangay units. It is essential that a
partnership between the Barangay and its constituents be nurtured in order to
ensure continued growth and development in communities all over the Philippines.

Currently, Barangay units are aided by volunteers in ensuring that health services
and public safety are brought to people. These volunteers give their time and effort in
the service of their Barangay on their own volition.

This proposed measure aims to provide just compensation to the volunteers that
render service to the Barangay in the form of benefits and monetary compensation. It
also aims to give them additional training in order to serve their communities better
and help in further developing their Barangays.

This bill was originally filed by former Misamis Occidental Second District
Representative Loreto Ocampos in the 15 Congress. It was passed on third reading
at the House of Representatives and was transmitted to the Senate.

In line with this, passage of the bill is urgently sought.

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Leni Gerona-Robredo 0
Third District, Camarines Sur Lone District, Dinagat Isltnds

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Ma. Lourdes Acosta - Alba
First District, Bukidnon



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5005

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by Representatives Leni Gerona-Robredo, Kaka Bag-ao, Bolet
B. Banal, Ma. Lourdes Acosta - Alba

AN ACT PROVIDING BENEFITS TO BARANGAY VOLUNTEER
WORKERS

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Barangay Volunteer
Workers’ Benefits Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to enhance and promote the social and economic status of Barangay volunteers.
‘The State shall protect the rights of Barangay volunteers and promote their welfare.

SEC. 3. Coverage. — This Act shall cover all members of accredited Civilian
Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) and all other volunteers who perform regular
governance or service functions in the Barangay.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following shall
mean:

1. Civilian Volunteer Organization shall refer to a body or brigade
composed of Barangay volunteers such as but not limited to Barangay Health
Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Tanod, members of the Lupong
‘Tagapamayapa, and members of community brigade and community service units
duly created at the Barangay level to assist the Barangay officials in the effective
exercise of law enforcement for the maintenance of peace and order and the
promotion of public safety, security, health, social welfare, and the spirit of
volunteerism in the Barangay.


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2. Barangay Volunteer Workers shall refer to individuals who belong to an
accredited CVO committed to rendering their services and resources, whether full-
time or part-time, to promote the public good.

3. Volunteerism shall refer to an act involving traditional forms of mutual
aid and developmental interventions that provides an enabling and empowering
environment both on the part of the beneficiary receiving, and the volunteer
rendering the act, undertaken for reasons arising from socio-developmental
commitment or conviction for the attainment of public good and where monetary
and other incentives are not the primary motivating factors.

SEC. 5. Qualifications. — A Barangay volunteer must be of legal age, must
be a resident of the Barangay where one intends to volunteer, and must be of good
moral character. A Barangay volunteer may continue to serve the community for as
long as one wishes to, and able to maintain these qualifications and if such
performance as a volunteer is considered commendable by Barangay officials,

SEC. 6, Duties and Obligations of a Barangay Volunteer. - The

Barangay volunteer worker shall:

1. Make available time, knowledge, and skills to the Barangay, and report for
work as agreed with Barangay officials;

2. Maintain and promote peace, public safety, security, health, social welfare,
and the spirit of volunteerism in the Barangay;

3. Discharge duty humanely with conscience and dignity, and with utmost
respect for life, gender, and religion; and

4. Submit a written resignation when one wishes to resign at least fifteen (15)
days prior to effectivity thereof.

SEC. 7. Statutory Fund Allocation for the Allowance of Barangay
Volunteers. - The Barangay shall provide allowances to Barangay volunteers, which
may not exceed the minimum salary rate for SG-1; Provided, That no volunteer shall
receive an allowance lower than P1,500.00 per month.

Said allowances shall be charged to the administrative budget of the Barangay,
which comprise eighty percent (80%) of its annual Internal Revenue Allotment, and
income from other sources; Provided, That these shall not be covered by the fifty-five
percent (55%) cap on Personal Services; Provided, finally, That the payment of said


allowances shall be subject to the availability of funds and pertinent budgeting,
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations.

SEC. 8. Security of Term. - A volunteer shall be asked to sign a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) defining the period of service, reckoned from
the date of the volunteers’ assignment. This MOA may be renewed upon the
agreement of the volunteer, the CVO, and the Barangay chairperson.

SEC. 9. Additional Benefits. - In recognition of their services, volunteers
shall be provided the following benefits and incentives:

1 Philhealth coverage, which shall include medical examination and
treatment in government hospitals, and fully subsidized by the Local Government
Units or through cost-sharing mechanisms between LGUs and other sponsors:
Provided, That indigent barangay volunteers shall be covered through full national
government subsidy scheme.

2. Free legal services from government lawyers or private lawyers
pursuant to RA. No. 9999 and Bar Matter no. 2012, for cases arising from acts
committed in the performance of duty: Provided, That such legal services shall
continue, even after the expiration of the term of the Barangay volunteer, until its
final disposition; and

3. Trainings and seminars on human rights, disaster response and risk
reduction, and others, deemed necessary by the city or municipality where the
volunteers render service.

SEC. 10. Review by the Sanggunian Barangay. - Every incentive or
benefit for Barangay volunteers requiring expenditure of local funds shall be
reviewed and approved by the Sanggunian Barangay.

SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of the
Interior and Local Government - National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), in
consultation with the National Liga ng mga Barangay and CVOs, shall issue the rules
and regulations to implement this Act within ninety (90) days after its approval.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other

provisions hereof.


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SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances or
portion thereof, as well as rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of
this act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,