(POLITIKO) Senator Jinggoy Estrada wants barangay tanods or village watchers to receive a P1,000 hazard pay monthly in recognition of their hard work.
Under Senate Bill 794 filed by Estrada, funds for compensating village watchers will be initially sourced from the budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, while its subsequent implementation would be included in the budgets of local government units (LGUs).
Estrada, who served as mayor of San Juan City for 30 years before getting elected as senator in 2004, noted that while village watchers receive the same benefits as other barangay officials, they are given a measly honoraria or allowances amounting to only about P600 monthly.
“Barangay tanod brigades are community workers that need protection. This proposed measure acknowledges their significant contribution in maintaining peace and order in their locality by providing them with incentives while they continue to carry out official tasks,” he said.
“As front-liners, they should receive adequate support and treatment from the government. There is no doubt that they deserve to be given such incentive,” the senator added.