Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Allowance hike must beat ban
GRANTING Cebu City election officers the P3,000 increase in their monthly allowance is really up to the City Government.
But if the City officials decide to give the raise, they better do it before March 30, or they will violate the election ban on “increasing salaries and other remuneration to government employees” that will be effective from March 30 to May 14.
Cebu City North District Election Officer Marchel Sarno said his letter to Mayor Tomas Osmeña was “only a request, not compulsory, and it is subject to the availability of funds.”
Sarno’s letter was dated last Nov. 9 yet but the request was only forwarded to the City Council two weeks ago for approval.
Sarno and South District Election Officer Lionel Marco Castillano each get an allowance of P2,000 monthly. They want this raised to P5,000.
However, Councilor Hilario Davide III, who authored the resolution, said the mayor already approved the request but it will only be included in the first supplemental budget.
Covered
Sarnoyesterday said they were hoping it will be covered during the hearing for the 2007 annual budget that was set last December.
He cited Comelec Resolution 7770, which states that starting March 30 to May, 14, 2007, no government official shall promote or give any increase of salary or remuneration or privilege to any government official or employee including those in government-owned or controlled corp.
Also, the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit, including their field offices, shall not release or authorize the release of any appropriation or pass audit payments or expenditures of public funds that may directly or indirectly violate the prohibition. (GAC)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 13, 2007 issue)
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