Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. _1240

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unknown to many, the maintenance of local peace and order and the promotion of
public safety in every nook and corner of our society rests primarily not with the local police,
but rather, with a handful of men roaming each and every barangay in the country particularly
at night, the Barangay Tanods. These men, composed mainly of civilian volunteers, are armed
with nightsticks rather than guns and are walking in groups of four (4) to six (6) men instead
of riding in patrol cars to protect their respective areas of jurisdiction and respond to the call
of anyone when the need for it arises.

Through the years, the plight of these Barangay Tanods has often been overlooked.
Although they are given some benefits for the task they perform, it is a fact that such benefits
are not commensurate with the risks they encounter while on duty. Thus, this proposed
measure seeks to address the sad plight of our Barangay Tanods.

The proposed legislative measure seeks to increase the benefits presently received by
‘our Barangay Tanods such as Christmas Bonus equivalent to one-half (%4) of what the present
Punong Barangay is receiving, insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourth (%) of what the
Punong Barangay is receiving, free legal services from government lawyers for criminal or civil
cases filed against them in the performance of their duties, and preference in the availment
of and or membership in barangay livelihood and development projects.

In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ROMAN T. ROMULO
Lone District, Pasig City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. _1240

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

‘AN ACT
UPGRADING THE BENEFITS AND INCENTIVES OF BARANGAY TANOD MEMBERS WHO HAVE
RENDERED AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF SERVICE IN THE BARANGAY GOVERNMENT

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

SECTION 1. The State recognizes the “Barangay Tanod”, duly created under the
provision of the Local Government Code, as an indispensable instrument in barangay
government, particularly in the latter's role in the maintenance and protection of peace and
security and the promotion of public safety within the barangay.

SECTION 2. As used herein, a Barangay Tanod, means a brigade or body composed of
civilian volunteers, duly created at the barangay level, to assist the barangay officials in the
effective exercises of law enforcement for the maintenance of peace and order and the
promotion of public safety.

Barangay Tanod members refer to civilian volunteers, duly appointed by the
Sangguniang Barangay, irrespective of the number thereof.

SECTION 3. Without in any way diminishing the benefits and privileges already granted
by the Local Government and other related laws, a member of the Barangay Tanod who has
rendered continuous service for at least one (1) year in any barangay shall, during his
incumbency, be entitled to the following:


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(a) Christmas bonus equivalent to at least one half (%4)of what the Punong Barangay
is receiving, as mandated by law or ordinance;

(b) An
Punong Barangay, in accordance with Republic Act Sixty-Nine Forty-Two (RA 6942)
otherwise known as "An Act Increasing the Insurance Benefits Of Local
Government Officials and Providing Funds Therefor" or the amount provided for
under Section 393 (d) of the Local Government Code, whichever is higher;

(c) Free legal services from government lawyers for criminal and civil cases filed
against him, arising from acts committed in the performance of his duties.
Provided, that such legal services shall continue, even after the term of the
Barangay Tanod member as long as the subject of the cases filed against him arises
from acts committed in the performance of his duties;

(d) Preference in the availment of and/or membership in barangay livelihood and
development projects, whether initiated by the National Government or the local
government units (LGUs).

\surance coverage equivalent to three-fourths (%) of that received by the

SECTION 4, A Barangay Tanod member who is yet to render service as such, to any
barangay for a period of one (1) year shall receive the benefits and privileges as mandated by
the Local Government Code.

SECTION 5. A Barangay Tanod, once appointed, shall not be removed as such nor his
services be terminated, except for causes enumerated by the barangay resolution creating
the Barangay Tanod, which shall take into consideration the integrity, responsibility and
accountability in barangay service of the barangay tanod concerned. The decision to remove
a Barangay Tanod for cause shall rest upon the decision of the Sangguniang Barangay
concerned.

SECTION 6, Such sums, as may be necessary for the implementation of the provision
of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury
not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, the amount needed to implement this Act shall be
included in the annual budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 7. All general and special laws, acts, city or municipal ordinances, executive
orders, proclamations and administrative regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent
with any provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. The Department of Interior and Local Government shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.


Rena

SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after the completion of its publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,