Press Release
February 22, 2016

Sen. Marcos asks brgy. execs to flex political muscle, press for enactment of retirement benefits bill

Vice presidential candidate, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. is calling on barangay officials and volunteer workers to flex their political muscle to press for the enactment into law of his Barangay Retirement Benefits Bill.

In his message at the 11th Barangay Health Workers District Congress in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Marcos noted that the Senate has approved the bill granting retirement benefits to barangay executives and workers on third reading and awaiting approval of the Lower House.

The measure provides a retirement pay of P100,000 for each qualified Barangay Chairman, P80,000 for each member of Sangguniang Barangay, and P50,000 each for the Barangay Treasurer and Secretary, Barangay Tanod, Member of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, and Barangay Health and Day Care Workers.

"As the election day draws near and the campaign season goes into full swing, many of the candidates will likely seek your help and support. I don't think it would be too much to ask them to support the passage of your Barangay Retirement Bill in exchange for your help," Marcos said.

Marcos said he proposed the bill is in recognition of the important role of barangay officials and volunteer workers in governance and in the delivery of basic services to the people.

He pointed out that barangay officials and volunteer workers are not eligible for Government Service Insurance System pension because they are not receiving salaries but merely honoraria.

"That is why I tried to find ways to help our barangay officials and health workers," said Marcos.

Under the measure, barangay official or worker must be at least 60 years old and with at least 9 years of service to be eligible to receive the retirement benefit.

The government needs P5.2 billion to pay for the retirement of the initial number of qualified officials and workers.

As funding source the measure proposed the creation of the Barangay Retirement Fund, which shall be established through annual investments with an amount equivalent to one percent (1%) of the share of the National Government in the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment).

The DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) shall administer and ensure the appropriate disbursement of the fund.

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