Bong Go pushes magna carta for barangay execs

CLARK, Pampanga – Former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go yesterday said he would pursue the enactment of a magna carta for barangay officials that would, among others, provide them with additional benefits and social protection.

Go, keynote speaker at the 1st General Membership Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Isabela Chapter held at the ASEAN Convention Center here, noted the important role of barangay officials, particularly in keeping their communities safe and orderly.

“For my part, I have been asking barangay captains on ways I can assist them,” Go said in an interview.

Go was joined at the event by Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Diño and was informed that the Liga ng mga Barangay national board is in consultation with DILG and other concerned agencies in the crafting of the magna carta proposal. Go gave his assurance that he will support this endeavor.

“We will study this,” said Go, who is running for a seat in the Senate in the 2019 midterm elections.

Go said he will study the possibility of having barangay officials receive salaries instead of honorarium and to receive allowances, insurance, medical benefits, retirement benefits and other fringe benefits to which regular government employees are entitled.

Aside from pushing for a magna carta for barangay officials, he also stressed the importance of recognizing the role of barangay health workers, tanods and other appointed positions in the barangay level as a comprehensive approach in pushing for the welfare of barangay units.

Go said he wants to follow the example set by President Duterte in serving the people.