A COUNCILOR IN Angeles City has underscored the need to provide fixed salaries for barangay leaders.

Councilor Jesus "Jay" Sangil said he filed a resolution supporting Senate Bill Number 2097 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays authored by Senator Sonny Angara giving fixed salaries and benefits for barangay officials.

Sangil said it is time to recognize the role of barangay officials including chairmen, kagawads, treasurers, secretary and Sangguniang Kabataan officers because they are the frontliners of government service.

Sangil said village officials only receive honorariums under the Local Government Code.

Under the bill, barangay officials shall get regular allowances, insurance, medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits extended to permanent government workers.

The Magna Carta intends to help village leaders perform their mandate of delivering basic services and facilities to their respective communities in the most efficient, responsive and sustainable manner.

Sangil said it also aims to provide communities appropriate basic services and facilities such as regular supply of clean and potable water, public transportation, schools, health centers, and barangay halls in order to meet the requirement of local populace.

The bill outlines measures that will help ensure barangays enjoy genuine local autonomy and attain full development.

Sangil cited the automatic release of their share from national taxes, transfer of funds for maintenance of roads and bridges, mandatory share of barangay taxes, fees and other charges and priority in employment.