City can’t grant extra allowance for 5T teachers

UNLESS the Cebu City Government gets another “steady” source of revenue, it cannot afford to grant close to 6,000 public schools teachers with an additional cash allowance, an official said.

In a report dated June 5, which was submitted to the City Council, City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo explained that providing P4,000 as cost of living allowance (Cola) a month to 5,485 teachers in the city is “not favorable” due to the lack of a fund source.

“One measure perceived to raise revenue is to undertake amendments or revision on the City’s Tax Code or ordinances with the end of increasing rates in local business tax and real property tax, among others. These are now a work in progress at the Treasurer’s and Assessor’s Office, respectively,” said Camarillo.

City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia shared the observation, saying that the City’s finances are not enough to meet all its budgetary needs.

Last October, Coucilor Jose Daluz III proposed an ordinance granting public school teachers the monthly allowance by January this year.

Previously amounting to P2,000, he wants the Cola doubled to have it uniform with what police, village watchmen and mediators are receiving monthly from the City Government.

At present, law enforcers, village watchmen and mediators are receiving a monthly allowance of P4,000 from the Cebu City Government.

This would mean that the City will have to release about P300 million a year for the more than 5,000 public school teachers.

Aside from this, Daluz wants to have the amount taken from the general fund instead of the special education fund.

State auditors have disallowed the issuance of the cash last August after ruling that the Cola and the hardship and clothing allowances are already integrated in the teachers’ basic salary.

Sought for comment, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said increasing the Cola is not his priority.

“My priority is scholarships for students, not for teachers,” he said.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph