Law Summary
Definition and Composition of Barangay Officials
- Barangay officials as per Section 387, Local Government Code (LGC): Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay members, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson, Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer.
- Inclusion of Lupong Tagapamayapa in every barangay.
- Other officials such as barangay tanods and volunteers designated by law or ordinance as agents of authority (Section 388, LGC).
- Appointive barangay officials governed by Local Government Code and relevant laws or ordinances (Section 396, LGC).
Status of Barangay Personnel as Public Officials and Employees
- Barangay officials and personnel considered public officials/employees under the New GSIS Act (R.A. 8291), including elected and appointed persons receiving compensation.
- Covered by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), regardless of compensation amount or employment status.
Benefits for Barangay Officials and Personnel
- Authorized honoraria, allowances, and emoluments under Section 393, LGC.
- Coverage includes barangay tanods and members of the lupong tagapamayapa.
Coverage Scope Under NHIP Guidelines
- Covered individuals include:
- Barangay Officials: Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay members, SK Chairperson, Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer
- Lupong Tagapamayapa
- Barangay Tanod Brigades
- Other Barangay Volunteers
Enrollment Scheme and Income Classification
- Enrollment under Medicare for the Employed Government Sector with the barangay as the Local Government Unit (LGU)-employer.
- Income threshold of Php 3,500 differentiates premium payment brackets:
- Less than Php 3,500: Bracket 1 premium
- Php 3,500 and above: Corresponding higher premium share
- Income ceiling subject to changes by PhilHealth Board.
Enrollment Procedures
- PhilHealth, in coordination with DILG, issues guidelines for coverage and enrollment.
- Barangays must pass an ordinance allocating funds for philhealth enrollment of officials and personnel.
- Submission of required membership forms to PhilHealth:
- M1a Form (Member Data Record) for first-time registrants
- M2 Form (Member Amendment Form) for registered members changing sector
- ER1 Form (Employer Data Record) if barangay not previously registered
- ER2 Form (Report of Employee Members) listing enrolled individuals
- Billing statements issued only for arrears or under-remittance situations according to prescribed guidelines.
Premium Contribution and Payment Remittance
- Premium shared between barangay (employer) and barangay official/personnel (employee).
- Employer counterpart paid from barangay funds; barangays may shoulder full premium via ordinance.
- Remittance to PhilHealth via accredited banks due by the 10th day of the following month.
Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibilities
- Barangays required to submit quarterly reports on program implementation to DILG's National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) and PhilHealth Regional Offices.
- Submission of quarterly Employer's Remittance Report and corresponding validated documents.
- DILG field officers consolidate data and maintain masterlist of enrolled barangay officials.
- PhilHealth Program Management Group conducts regular evaluations with DILG NBOO.
Separate Enrollment Rules for Other NHIP Programs
- Barangay officials and volunteers enrolled under Indigent or Individually Paying Programs governed by their respective rules and issuances.
Effectivity
- The circular takes effect immediately upon issuance.
- Signed by Francisco T. Duque III, M.D., M.Sc., President and CEO of PhilHealth.