Perks of barangay officials

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – As we approach yet another barangay election on Monday, May 14, you may be wondering about the perks that a barangay official enjoys.

The 1991 Local Government Code and some budget circulars issued by the budget department specify the compensation and benefits of barangay officials. The barangay can appropriate not more than 55% of the total annual income for personal services – which include the honorarium/salary provided for elected officials and corresponding staff such as the barangay treasurer and secretary. Here’s a list of the basic pay and benefits of elected barangay officials.

Basic honorarium:

P1,000	per month for the barangay chairman
P600	per month for the barangay councilors/kagawad

Amounts, though, could be adjusted according to the availability of funds, but can only be limited to the equivalent of the following salary grades:

salary grade 14 (P26,494)	for the barangay chairman
salary grade 10 (P18,718)	for the barangay councilors/kagawad

These amounts are the minimum for such salary grades, as provided in the 3rd tranche of salary schedules for civilian personnel in government. Additional benefits:

Christmas bonus	at least P1,000
insurance coverage	includes temporary and permanent disability, double indemnity, accident insurance, death and burial benefits, in accordance with Republic Act 6942
medical care	includes free hospitalization in government hospitals; in extreme emergency and need to be confined in a private hospital, P5,000 is charged to barangay funds
free tuition	in government schools within their area (for barangay officials and 2 of their legitimate dependent children during their term of office)
civil service eligibility	based on the number of years of service in the barangay for officials who have completed their term
preference in appointment	to any government position to which they are qualified for after their term of office
leave credits	equivalent to 30 days for every year of service; depending in their attendance in regular sessions

Not entitled to:

• hazard duty pay
• 13th month pay
• Representation and Transportation Allowances (RATA)
• Personnel Economic Relief Allowances (PERA)
• Productivity Incentive Bonus (PIB)
• clothing alllowance

– Rappler.com Rikki Lee Mendiola is a Rappler intern. Do you have any interesting, intelligent, incredible, or even insane and inane questions in mind? Email us at research@rappler.com, and let Rappler IQ provide the answers.