Lacson: Capitol workers used as ‘propaganda baits’

NEGROS Occidental Board Member Patrick Lacson accused Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. of using the Capitol employees as propaganda baits.

Lacson, who is referring to the issue on the Provincial Board’s (PB) disapproval of Capitol's proposed 2013 budget, said the PB is just judiciously reviewing the budget for approval.

The PB immediately adjourned its regular session last Wednesday, as the committee on finance is still deliberating the budget.

"We're back to square one," Board Member Salvador Escalante said.

Lacson also accused Marañon of meddling with the legislative branch, still referring to the budget issue.

The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (Pace) officials reiterated their appeal to the PB to pass the 2013 budget so that employees who are up for retirement can avail themselves of higher benefits due them.

Pace director Ruben Diamante said there are about 70 Capitol employees up for retirement and their lifetime pension will be affected by the non-passage of the budget.

"We are appealing to the PB members not to make the Capitol employees the collateral damage of their political war," Diamante said.

Meanwhile, Lacson revealed that majority of the congressmen in Negros Occidental are supporting Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) gubernatorial bet Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez.

Even the ruling Liberal Party declared its commitment and support for Alvarez.

Businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., who was the governor's long-time ally and closest friend in Negros politics, is supporting Alvarez, Lacson said. (TDE)