Palace to look into huge perks of MWSS officials

MALACAÑANG vowed Saturday to look into reports that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) continues to release excessive bonuses despite the non-approval of the budget department.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said, in a radio interview over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, that the Governance Commission for GOCCs has the authority over MWSS, which is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

“That will be looked into. After it is verified, that will be looked into,” Valte said when asked if the Palace will push for an inquiry on the matter.

In a report by the Commission on Audit (COA), it said excessive bonuses were still rampant at the MWSS in 2011.

In its report for 2011, COA said the MWSS still gave allowances, bonuses and incentives to its executives and staff despite the non-approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The COA said the MWSS continued to release various allowances, bonuses and benefits even without DBM’s approval.

COA also questioned the release of hazard pays to personnel who were not supposed to receive it. MWSS also entered into a medical coverage with private firm Medicard Philippines Inc. although medical coverage can be provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Benigno Aquino III disclosed the huge benefits being received by the MWSS officials during the Arroyo administration which prompted the government to push for the passage of a law that will govern the GOCCs. (SDR)