A measure institutionalizing the grant of monthly incentives for all the appointed barangay tanods in Puerto Princesa, along with the suggestion to double this cash grant for those who receive below P2,000 monthly honorarium, was proposed at the City Council.
City Councilor Atty. Peter Maristela told Palawan Daily News (PDN) Wednesday, June 24, this is mainly aimed at helping the small city barangays that have smaller budget.
“Based doon sa research namin, mas marami ang tumatanggap ng two thousand pesos and below [na monthly honorarium]. Parang mga more than seven hundred [barangay tanods] out of more than one thousand barangay tanods sa buong Puerto Princesa ang tumatanggap ng two thousand pesos and below,” said Maristela.
City Councilor Atty. Maristela stated that under the 2020 budget of the city government, barangay tanods are already receiving P500 monthly incentive each, which he wishes to be institutionalized through this ordinance.
Atty. Maristela further stated that provided in his proposed measure is to raise up to P1,000 this monthly grant for those barangay tanods who are receiving a monthly honorarium of only below P2,000.
“Iyong more than two thousand pesos [ang honorarium] ‘yon na lang ang [i-retain sa] five hundred pesos [incentive from the city government] kasi kawawa naman ‘yong mga maliliit na barangay na maliit lang ang budget. Minsan may mga five hundered pesos lang ang tinatanggap na honorarium sa kanilang barangay, ‘yong mga tanod,” said Maristela.
Maristela added only around 200 barangay tanods in the city receive more than P2,000 monthly honorarium.
He said the importance of institutionalizing this monthly grant for the city barangay tanods is the assurance that they will receive not less than P500 incentive per month from the city government despite change of administration.
“Una sa lahat kasi ngayon walang ordinansa tatanggap sila ng five hundred nasa 2020 budget lang. Kung mainstitutionalize ‘yan, kahit sino pa ang mayor na makaupo ay siguradong tatanggap sila ng allowance sa city government na hindi bababa ng five hundred pesos,” said Maristela.