AN ACT INCREASING THE INSURANCE BENEFITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6942

Coverage of the Act (Section 1):
- Automatically covers the following local government officials who do not receive a fixed salary:
    - Punong barangay (village chief)
    - Sangguniang barangay members (village council)
    - Chairman of the kabataang barangay (village youth council)
    - Barangay secretary and treasurer
    - Members of the sangguniang panlalawigan (provincial council), sangguniang panlungsod (city council), and sangguniang bayan (municipal council)
- Coverage ceases if the official receives a fixed salary or is elected/appointed to another position.
- Officials who lose coverage can opt to continue by paying premiums.

Death and Burial Benefits (Section 2):
- In case of death during incumbency:
    - Beneficiaries of punong barangay or sanggunian members: ₱20,000
    - Beneficiaries of other barangay officials: ₱10,000
- Additional ₱2,000 burial benefit payable within 24 hours of notice.
- Double indemnity if a barangay chairman is assassinated or killed in the line of duty.

Total and Permanent Incapacity or Disability (Section 3):
- For total and permanent incapacity/disability as determined by GSIS:
    - Punong barangay or sanggunian members: ₱12,000
    - Other barangay officials: ₱5,000
- Additional ₱2,000 burial benefit if death occurs within 2 years of disability.
- Cannot benefit from Sections 2, 4, and 5 if availing this benefit.

Injuries Resulting from Accidents (Sections 4 and 5):
- For injuries from accidents during incumbency, whether work-connected or not:
    - Punong barangay or sanggunian members: Maximum ₱10,000 per covered year
    - Other barangay officials: Maximum ₱5,000 per covered year
- Specific benefits listed for various types of injuries and disabilities.

Responsibility for Payment of Premiums (Section 6):
- National government to appropriate funds annually for premiums:
    - ₱247 for punong barangay and sanggunian members
    - ₱62 for other barangay officials
- Premiums to be released to GSIS in the first month of each year.
- GSIS to conduct actuarial studies and adjust premiums as needed.

Disqualification from Benefits (Section 7):
- No benefits for injuries/death caused by:
    - Habitual drunkenness or intoxication
    - Willful intention to injure or kill self or others
    - Notorious negligence
    - Unauthorized absence or abandonment of office for 3 consecutive months

Processing of Claims (Section 8):
- Claims to be processed and settled within 30 days at the nearest GSIS branch.

Rules and Regulations (Section 9):
- GSIS and DILG to prescribe rules and regulations within 1 month of effectivity.

Repealing Clause (Section 10):
- Repeals or modifies inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules.

Effectivity (Section 11):
- Act takes effect upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.