The city council has approved on third and final reading a proposed ordinance granting cash incentives to barangay enforcers deputized to implement the Anti-Road Obstruction (ARO) operations.
Councilor Michael Lawana, author of the ordinance, said deputized barangay enforcers are exposed to physical risks and health hazards in conducting the ARO operations.
“It is then vital that they be granted incentives to ensure effective and efficient performance,” Lawana said.
In 2016, an ARO task force was formed pursuant to Administrative Order 116 signed by then mayor Mauricio Domogan which stipulates a 70-30 scheme where the 70 percent of the collected fines from ARO violations will be remitted to the concerned barangays while 30 percent will accrue to the local government.
Under the ordinance, 20 percent of the barangay’s share from every collection of an ARO fine will be given as a cash incentive to the deputized barangay enforcer.
After deducting the amount to be granted to the deputized barangay enforcer, the remainder of the proceeds will be deposited to a trust fund to be used in defraying expenses and in the operations or activities of barangay task forces.
Covered expenses will include the cost of inspection and enforcement by the deputized enforcers including allowances for meals and transportation; cost of regular or periodic meetings of barangay officials and deputized enforcers; cost of the conduct of seminars and trainings of deputized enforcers; cost of procurement of necessary equipment; and other expenses.
Under the ordinance, the collection and use of the ARO share shall follow a procedure.
The deputized barangay shall secure from the City Treasurer’s Office the traffic citation ticke, which they are authorized to issue to violators.
The sangguniang barangay concerned shall determine how the trust fund is to be used in furtherance of the ARO operation, subject to the usual government accounting and auditing procedures, provided the amount of the deposit may be withdrawn after the City Accounting Office certifies the availability of fund.
The use and disbursement of the trust fund, including the incentive, shall be supported by a barangay resolution approved by the concerned barangay council.
The ordinance was forwarded to the office of Mayor Benjamin Magalong for his signature. –Jordan G. Habbiling
April 20, 2024
