HB 7424, gains support in Bataan

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Human Rights, Justice and Legal Matters chaired by Board Member Rey Ibe recommended the approval of House Bill no. 7424, introduced by Hon. Congressman Miguel F. Zubiri entitled, “An Act Providing Compensation for Barangay Officials, amending Section 393 of R.A.7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and Appropriating Funds thereof”, in their regular session yesterday.
Board Member Ibe in his justification said that, barangays play an important role in nation building, in pursuit of economic progress, improving our nation’s political and social conditions at the barangay level; that barangay officials are the persons in authority in their respective jurisdiction as mandated by law to maintain public order, protection of life, liberty and property of the people in the community.
At present, Board Member Ibe emphasized, barangay officials only receive honorarium/allowances which are not even commensurate to the time, effort and even their own lives and safety in serving their constituents, that by giving them compensation, will not only entitle them to a fair salary but will give them pride as bonafide government employees which will incentivize them to enhance more their duties and functions in providing basic services to their constituents.
Ibe said that it’s high time that we acknowledge the worth of each and every barangay official in fulfilling their oath of office, in serving the people by extending them their regular monthly salary compensation and other benefits under the law.