Retirement pay for elected execs pushed

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu City councilor is lobbying for the passage of an ordinance granting a retirement gratuity pay for elected officials of the city.

The proposed measure penned by Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia seeks to provide barangay captains and councilmen P5,000 and P3,000, respectively, for every year of service.

"Barangay officials who receive salaries in the form of honoraria are not automatically registered under the Government Service Insurance System," the proposed measure reads.

During the August 14 regular session, Garcia referred his proposal to the council's committees on laws and on budget and finance, and Barangay Affairs Office for further study.

The proposed measure will also undergo further deliberation during a public hearing, which aims to hear and address the plights of the concerned individuals.

Garcia also asked the committee on laws to look into the possible violations of double compensation.

Sought for comment, Association of Barangay Councils- Cebu City Chapter President Phillip Zafra assured to back the measure’s approval.

“Barangay officials have contributed a lot in the development of their barangays, especially in the delivery of basic services,” he told The FREEMAN.

Zafra said barangay officials have been sacrificing a lot for their respective constituents, but are considered “lowest-paid” officials.

“They have no GSIS, Philhealth, PAG-IBIG, among others. And yet some of them have been in the service for 20 to 40 years. Upon retirement of service, wala sila’y benefit nga madawat,” he added.

Under the proposal, Garcia said, the benefits of barangay officials based on the Local Government Code include honoraria, allowances, and other emoluments as may be authorized by law.

Garcia said a fraction of at least six months in actual service shall be considered as a year of service.

In case of death of qualified barangay official, Garcia said, his or her legal heirs are entitled to get the benefit.

A retired barangay official should submit a written request which includes the name of the official, position/s, total of service for every position certified by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (FREEMAN)