Nograles brothers file bill to fix salaries of barangay officials

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Representatives Karlo Alexei Nograles and Jericho Jonas Nograles have filed a bill proposing to make barangay officials regular government employees and entitle them fixed salaries and benefits.

House Bill No. 7393, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, seeks to give to barangay officials fixed salaries, allowances, insurance, medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits and other fringe benefits that regular government employees receive.

The Punong Barangay would be entitled to a salary equivalent to that of a municipal councilor, while the Sangguniang Barangay members would be given 80 percent of that amount. Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman and the barangay secretary and treasurer would be given 75 percent of the municipal councilor’s salary.

The bill also seeks to make automatic the release of the barangays’ share of national taxes.

The barangays would also be entitled to a 25-percent share of the real property taxes collected within their respective jurisdictions, as well as 10 percent of other taxes paid by residents, offices and manufacturing plants.

The bill also seeks to outline the basic priorities of each barangay, such as drinking water, public transportation, and schools, health centers and barangay halls.

It would also require barangays to sponsor at least one scholarship grant, and prioritize residents in the hiring of workers for projects.