PAO lawyers in Lapu-Lapu seek 100 percent hike in allowances

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyers from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) in Lapu-Lapu City are asking for a 100 percent increase in their monthly allowance from P5,000 to P10,000.

 In yesterday's city council session, Councilor Francisco Senerpida found the demand of the PAO lawyer as acceptable because of the nature of their work and the load that entails expenses.

 But Councilor Melissa Vidal, who chairs the finance committee, told the presiding officer that the city council will first secure an endorsement from the mayor since it requires approval of an appropriation ordinance.

 "Now that this city has already attained the status of a highly urbanized city and with the load of our work, we humbly believe that we also deserve an increase in our allowance," the letter signed by District Public Attorney Paulito Cabrera and his subordinates lawyers Rolando Taub and Liza Marie Patalinjug.

 To justify their demand, the lawyers said they handle not only criminal cases of poor constituents but also other cases such as civil, special proceedings, cadastral, administrative and labor as well without charging them.

 Under the Local Government Code of 1991, local governments are allowed to "provide for additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors, public elementary and high school teachers and other national government officials stationed in or assigned to the city" when its finances allow.

 The Cebu City government has already increased the monthly allowances of clerks of court and judges.

 From only P2,000 before, the 22 clerks of court of the Regional Trial Court now get an allowance of P8,000 monthly or an increase of P6,000.

 A clerk of court is responsible for the administrative and operational elements of the court and maintains the records of a court.

Last month, the city government released additional allowances to judges and justices of the Court of Appeals to strengthen the institution; reduce financial pressure of the judges to let them think clearly and dispense justice efficiently; and to minimize corruption in the judiciary.

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