|
Monday, March 01, 2004
If there's a will, there's a way: Joy says on Ecola
By Roberto L. Bacasong
* Its release is done on a "step-by-step" basis, says Valdez
THE release of public schools teachers' Emergency Cost of Living Allowance (Ecola) will depend on whether there will be a surplus in the City Government's Special Education Fund.
"If there is a will, there is always a way," said Valdez who assured the teachers that her administration is not sitting on the 2,630 Bacolod teachers' demand to release their P124.9 million unpaid Ecola.
She also belied allegations that the Ecola was not released. Valdez stressed its release is done on a "step by step" basis.
Moreover, the city chief executive scored Councilor Archie Baribar criticizing her lack of political will. The Ecola of teachers could have already been released, the councilor earlier said.
Valdez said Baribar could have done something about the Ecola during the stint of former Mayor Oscar Verdeflor.
She also reiterated that when the Supreme Court handed down the decision to release the demand, the City had no sufficient funds.
The teachers staged a rally in the Fountain of Justice fronting the City Hall last Wednesday. They said they were shocked though that there were anti-Ecola camps present.
Militant group Kadamay-Negros urged Valdez "to stop using the poor for her narrow political interest."
"Mayor (Joy) Valdez should stop using the urban poor residents of Bacolod City to escape from her responsibility in paying the just demand of public school teachers for their Ecola," they said in a press statement.
(February 28, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
