Rama’s new promise: increased barangay aid

A day before elections of the local league of barangay councilmen, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he was thinking of increasing the city’s annual aid to barangay officials.

He didn’t give a figure, but said it would depend on the revenues of the city this year.

“One way to lessen temptation is to assure them of comfort while in the position. Public service is not all about self sacrifice. They have to take care of their children too,” he said in remarks during the distribution of December 2013 cash assistance to barangay officials yesterday morning.

At present, the city gives P5,000 per month to each barangay captain and P3,000 each for councilors, secretaries and treasurers, subject to withtholding tax.

Last week, the mayor disappointed many senior citizens by saying he could not assure the release of P12,000 per beneficiary as he promised for the year.

He said he woud gaurantee P6,000 in cash but the rest may be given in medicine, dry goods or other material assistance due t the financial situation of the city.

Yesterday’s distribution was made a day before the election of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP) Cebu City Chapter.

Rama said barangay officials must focus on delivering public service notwithstanding the lack of equipment.

“You are not paying them (barangay officials) with the release of the cash assistance. You are only recognizing their brains and their hearts. A sense of nationalism, heroism and patriotism also goes with security,” said Rama.

Kamputhaw councilman Raymond Alvin Garcia of Team Rama is vying for the league presidency against incumbent president and Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan ally Franklyn Ong of barangay Kasambagan.

Garcia said that if he wins, he will lobby for the release of the promised increase in allowances.