The House of Representatives is currently working on the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, which includes pushing for barangay officials to become members of the Social Security System (SSS) and to have a six-year term.
This was announced by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez during the National Congress of Barangay Officials recently.
According to Romualdez, the House aims to make all barangay officials SSS members without them having to make any payments, allowing them to access benefits such as life insurance and a lifetime pension upon retirement.
Romualdez also mentioned that he has filed a proposal to extend the term of barangay officials to six years to allow them to complete projects that will benefit their constituents.
“Nais ko ring ipahayag na kahit abala tayo sa mga hakbangin na ito, hindi pa rin natin pinapabayaan ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng Magna Carta for Barangays. Sa panukalang ito, layunin natin na gawing komprehensibo ang mga benepisyo at suporta na ibinibigay natin sa mga barangay officials,”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez
Romualdez has called on barangay officials to participate in discussions and provide suggestions to improve their benefits.
He acknowledged the critical role of barangay officials in connecting communities with the national government in delivering services.
Previously, Speaker Romualdez noted that the House is considering a measure to allocate funds from local governments to cover the SSS premiums of barangay officials.
Romualdez stated that he and his colleagues in the House are aware of the concerns of barangay officials regarding their welfare and that of their families while serving their communities.
According to SSS President Rolando Macasaet, in addition to SSS insurance coverage and pension benefits, Speaker Romualdez is also advocating for the waiver of penalties for barangay officials who are SSS members and have outstanding debts.