Bong Go to pursue Magna Carta for barangay officials

CLARK, Pampanga - Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go yesterday bared 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, who was the keynote speaker at the 1st General Membership Assembly of Liga ng mga Barangay Isabela Chapter held at ASEAN Convention Center here, noted the important role of barangay officials, particularly in keeping their communities safe and orderly.

“Ngayon ako naman tinatanong ko din ang mga barangay captain kung papaano ako makaka-tulong sa kanila. Kung saka-sakali itong kanilang kasalukuyang benepisyo pati na rin ang ating mga SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Kagawad na wala naman pong tinatanggap,” Go said in an interview.

Go was joined by Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Dino in the event 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.

“Pag-aaralan namin. Ayoko mangako pero sisilipin natin kung papaano pa po madagdagan ang benepisyo ng Barangay Captains po at Barangay Kagawad,” added Go, a senatorial candidate 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 to.

He also noted that the term of office of the current set of elected barangay officials is only two years.

“Sa two years papaano sila makakagawa ng reporma sa lugar nila? Papaano sila makakapagsilbi ng maayos sa barangay nila ,after a year kampanya na naman sila for another term?” he added.