ABANG Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano advocated for lump sum retirement benefits for village officials, including watchmen, members of Lupong Tagapamayapa, and barangay health workers (BHWs).
Paduano’s proposal is contained in House Bill 0619 which is now at the Technical Working Group of the House committee on local government.
He has also filed House Bill 0618, proposing for the granting of fixed honoraria and additional incentives and benefits to BHWs.
Paduano said that he filed the bills because he sees the vital role of village officials especially the watchmen, Lupon members, BHWs in protecting the health and peace and order of their respective village which serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government programs, projects, and activities.
He said they are serving the villages on voluntary basis and receive very meager allowances which could not suffice for the risk and services they render.
Paduano said he is hoping that Congress would be able to approve these relevant bills in the operations of the villages.
