Kuya Bong cites importance of barangay leaders

After leading two separate relief operations for fire victims and market vendors, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go personally hailed Cebu City’s barangay leaders as he and fellow senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa joined the 2022 Cebu Provincial Year-End Summit and Recognition at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Bonifacio Day.

The lawmaker expressed gratitude to all barangay workers for their dedication and commitment to serving their constituents and for acting as the bridge for Filipinos to reach the provincial and national government.

The senator also recognized their vital role in bringing the government closer to the people and in making certain that their respective barangays continue to recover from the pandemic.

He also mentioned that he supported the postponement of barangay elections, to give barangay officials and the Sangguniang Kabataan leaders more ample time to pursue their projects and programs for their constituents.

Recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of barangay workers, Go also continues to push for Senate Bill 197 which would provide a Magna Carta for Barangays. He likewise filed SBN 427 which would mandate the provision of allowances and incentives to barangay health workers.

If SBN 197 is enacted, barangay officials will be treated as regular government employees. The Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary and barangay treasurer will be entitled to salaries, emoluments, allowances such as hazard pay, representation and transportation allowance, 13th month pay and other benefits that regular government employees enjoy.

On the other hand, if SBN 427 is passed into law, a monthly allowance will be provided to all barangay health workers and they will also be entitled to security of tenure and other benefits and privileges.