Serondo, Lacson agree towards addressing Capitol workers’ woes

BOARD Member Miller Serondo who belongs to the minority at the Provincial Government is mulling Line Item Budgeting so that the additional bonus and 25 percent last tranche salary increase of Capitol employees can be given to them.

On the other hand, Board Member Patrick Lacson who belongs to the majority also challenged the Committee on Finance to start drafting a proposal that will be satisfactory to the majority members, if approval is indeed their utmost wish.

“I believe deep in the hearts of every SP member, despite political differences, lies sincerity and willingness to compromise so that we may move on,” said Lacson.

“Our employees have nothing to do with all these arguments and debates on the annual budget. Isn't it obvious that they have been used as ‘baits’ so the majority members, out of conscience, will fast track and just approve the seemingly questionable 2013 budget. I believe whether (the budget is) approved, delayed or questioned, LGU employees are entitled to their benefits and salaries no matter what, no matter where," Lacson said.

"I am almost certain the DILG will agree to this opinion but, if not, therefore I'll ask them. ‘LGU executives in this country can just do what they please without the approval of their respective councils?’ Even the President has to get approval of both houses (the Senate and Congress). Don't tell me Malacañang employees will not get salaries and benefits if the proposed budget is pending in both houses,” he explained.

“I say to the Finance Committee and the Executive, ‘The ball is in your hand on this one. Let us not fool ourselves, and most importantly, let us not fool the people of Negros,’" Lacson said.

Meanwhile, Serondo said they will study the possibility that the budget intended for the bonus and salary increase of the employees be approved through Line Item Budgeting. He made this plan after answering the queries of the Capitol employees during the PACE general assembly on Friday.

He also challenged the members of the media to judge who really is delaying the budget in answer to the statement of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez that it is now the minority that delays the budget because they invoked the DILG opinion.

He said they have been insisting on the deliberation of the budget. However, the SP would often put the budget at the last portion of the agenda in the last two sessions.

Serondo also asked the Capitol employees to beg for the approval with the board members who disapproved the budget so that they will soften their hearts and pass the 2013 provincial budget.