Tuesday, February 06, 2007 Ted fires more City Hall workers
BUDGETARY constraints prompted the Mandaue City Hall to issue notices of termination of services to many program employees, just weeks after political plans of incumbent officials were announced.
As a way of reducing its workforce, the City Government allowed program employees to render services only until Jan. 31.
A notice signed by acting human resource management officer Janet Trinidad said that the employees will be contacted if funds will be available.
“We regret to inform you that due to budgetary constraints, the City will reduce its workforce. In this regard, your employment under the City’s program will no longer be renewed effective Feb. 1, 2007,” the notice stated.
A source, however, said that certain employees were rehired after they were able to get endorsements from Mayor Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano’s political leaders and supporters.
The reemployment was reportedly effective until March.
Ouano insists, however, that the employee’s performance and the City’s budget were factors for reducing the workforce. He said performance will also be considered in reinstating employees.
Asked if they will be reemployed regardless of political affiliations, the mayor replied, “Ikaw na la’y sabot ana (You draw your own conclusion).”
The source said that many program employees in the barangays were affected by the streamlining.
At least nine barangay captains have expressed their support for City Councilors Jonas Cortes and Glenn Bercede, who are running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
They will run against administration bets Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and Councilor Carlo Pontico Fortuna.
Over 100
The source said that with nine barangay chiefs and two councilors having at least 10 employees identified with them, there could be over 100 people without jobs now.
The source further revealed that had it not been an election year, the City would be renewing appointments up to six months.
The mayor explained that since they are program employees, their services could be terminated anytime.
In a separate interview, Vice Mayor Amadeo Seno Jr. said the termination of services should have been done quietly.
“Wa ma’y labot ang mga lumalaban,” he said.
Seno, with almost 10 employees identified with him, is running for mayor after serving three terms as vice mayor.
He appealed that the affected employees be given their compensation for the month of January.
He is worried that they wouldn’t receive anything for their services because there were no appointments issued.
But City Councilor Wenceslao Gakit, chairman of the committee on budget and finance, assured that funds are available for the employees’ compensation.
The Mandaue City Hall employs about 3,000 workers. (AAG)
