City Council not averse to raise clerks' allowance

CEBU, Philippines - The Committee on Budget and Finance of the Cebu City Council is not against the request of the clerks of court of the Regional Trial Courts in Cebu City to increase their monthly City Hall allowance from P8,000 to P15,000.

Councilor Margarita "Margot" Osmeña, chairwoman of the Committee on Budget and Finance, decided to refer the matter to Mayor Michael Rama as this would need his approval and recommendation for a budget allocation.

The letter request from the clerks of courts was signed by all 24 RTC clerks of courts in Cebu City who justified the need to increase their monthly allowance due to the nature of their work, which according to them often demands more time including Saturdays, Sundays and even holidays. 

Chief Clerk of Courts Jeofrey Joaquino said aside from supervising court personnel, preparing reports and keeping track of court dockets, the clerk of courts are also performing adjudicatory duties like conducting hearings as court-commissioners and conducting ocular inspections in expropriation and eminent domain cases.

"While others are resting in the comfort of their homes during weekends and holidays, we work tirelessly even during holidays, Saturdays and Sundays when exigency requires," the clerks of courts said in a letter addressed to Rama.

They said that as members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and court officers, they also feel and humbly believe that they are likewise entitled to an increase in their City Hall monthly allowance.

If Rama will grant their request, the city will be spending P360,000 every month only for the allowance of court clerks.

While there are some city legislators against the granting of additional allowance to the clerk of courts, they can do nothing about it if the mayor approves the request. –(FREEMAN)