Parañaque enforcers to get 20% of COVID-19 fines

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay enforcers in Parañaque will receive 20 percent of fines paid by people who violate ordinances to curb the spread of COVID-19, the city government said on Thursday.

In a statement, Mayor Edwin Olivarez said Ordinance 2020-33 would provide an incentive to barangay enforcers, who “continue to risk their life and limb in implementing and enforcing the provisions of the pertinent COVID-related measures to ensure the safety of residents.”

“It is high time that the hard work and efforts of barangay officials and enforcers during this pandemic is recognized,” he said.

The ordinance provides that fines and penalties paid by violators of COVID-related measures will be collected by the city treasurer’s office. Twenty percent will be distributed “to authorized apprehending barangay officials or enforcers.”

The city government earlier passed an ordinance requiring the wearing of face masks and shields in public. It provides penalties that range from a fine of up to P5,000, 12 hours in jail or 14 hours of community service.

Olivarez said a barangay enforcer could receive a total of P1,000 if he apprehends at least five first-time offenders in a day in his territorial jurisdiction.

To receive the incentive, the name of the apprehending officer must be stated in the official violation receipt, citation ticket or any other official notice of violation.

Should the violator be a minor, the penalties shall be imposed on the parent.

Failure to pay the fine or serve community service within 15 days shall warrant the filing of legal action in court.

Olivarez said they are also considering giving a daily allowance to volunteers of the “barangay disiplina brigades” formed last week to ensure that the minimum health standards are implemented in the communities.

City health workers, public safety and other frontliners have been receiving daily hazard pay since the community quarantine was imposed in March.