NOV.

26, 2012

NR # 2935

Barangay tanods to be exempted from income taxation

A measure exempting barangay tanods from income taxation and granting them privileges and benefits similar to that of barangay officials has been filed at the House of Representatives. Authored by Rep. Mark Villar (Lone District, Las Pias City), House Bill 6635 or the Tanod Incentives Act of 2012, seeks to improve the standard of living of barangay tanods and enhance their skills and capabilities to make them better equipped in the maintenance of peace and order in their communities. Villar said there is no serious effort on the part of the government to promote and enhance the social and economic well being of the tanods, as well as their living and working conditions. Many barangays do not bother to organize tanod brigades because they are not required by the Local Government Code to organize such security group, Villar said. Villar added that the Sangguniang Barangays always find difficulties in the selection of barangay tanods because very few residents show interest in becoming part of the brigade. It is only through the grant of special benefits, privilege and opportunities for personal development that government could effectively encourage barangay residents to take interest in joining tanod brigades, Villar said. The bill provides, that all amounts received by the barangay tanods as salaries, wages, compensation, remuneration, honoraria and allowance shall be exempt from income taxation. Gross benefits received by tanods, of whatever kind or character, shall likewise be exempted from taxation. Under the bill, each tanod shall be given a minimum amount of P500 as additional monthly stipend. Likewise, they shall be considered as members of the Government Insurance Service System (GSIS) with life insurance and social security protection, retirement, disability and separation benefits. (30) eag