AUG.

15, 2013

NR # 3196B

Bill gives barangay tanods kids 50% discount in tuition in SUCs

A lawmaker is proposing a package of incentives for the country's barangay tanods, which shall include a fifty percent discount in tuition for up to two of their children in state universities and colleges. In filing House Bill 58, Rep. Alfredo Albee B. Benitez (3rd District, Negros Occidental) said barangay tanods are a significant part of the community because of the role they perform in the maintenance of peace and order in the barangay. Though they work on a voluntary-basis, barangay tanods do not hesitate to risk their lives just to ensure the security of the people in their respective communities, Benitez said. Aside from the 50 percent discount in tuition fees of up to two of their children, the bill also entitles duly-appointed members of the Barangay Tanod Brigades who have rendered continuous service for at least one year in the barangay to a Christmas bonus equivalent to at least one half of what the Punong Barangay is receiving as mandated by law or ordinance. They shall also be entitled an insurance coverage equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the Punong Barangay in accordance with Republic Act 6942 as well as free legal services from government lawyers for criminal and civil cases filed against them arising from acts committed in the performance of their duties. The measure further provides that all duly appointed barangay tanods should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance program for them to receive and avail of an adequate package of personal health services with the premium contribution to be borne by the local government unit (LGU) concerned. But no benefit shall be given to a barangay tanod or his beneficiaries when the injury, sickness, disability or death was occasioned or caused by his habitual drunkenness or intoxication; his willful intention to injure or kill himself or another; his notorious negligence or his unauthorized absence or abandonment of post for three consecutive months. The bill provides that every barangay unit shall be entitled to enlist the services of not more than 20 barangay tanods and that all amounts received by barangay tanods such as honoraria and allowances shall be exempt from income taxation. (30) mvip