Manila, Feb. 5 -- Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III on Thursday pushed for the passage of long-overdue measures establishing a Magna Carta for Barangays, stressing that village officials are the true frontliners of government and deserve dignity, protection, and stronger institutional support.

Speaking before the House Committee on Local Government-Subcommittee on Local Officials and Personnel, he thanked its members for working overtime to advance bills proposing the Magna Carta, including House Bill No. 3533, which he authored.

The proposed Magna Carta seeks to improve compensation and benefits for Punong Barangays, Kagawads, SK officials, and barangay personnel; ensure the availability of basic services and facilities such as barangay ...