‘Don’t compromise workers’ – Magpale: JOs’ salary delayed amid officials’ fight

CEBU, Philippines - The political conflict in Talisay City has escalated resulting to the reported delayed release of the workers’ salary.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said the two parties in Talisay City failed to honor the agreement done before the Provincial Board.

“Amo na ‘nang giatubang sila. Wa man  natuman tingali... Naa nama’y kasabutan: ihatag kadtong ilang budget gipangayo. Akong nahibaw-an wa natuman ang ilang nasabutan in front of the Provincial Board,” she said.

Magpale was referring to the administration of Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, who are both with the Liberal Party.

The City Council, which is composed of the opposition bloc: the Alayon Party, and some Liberal Party councilors headed by Villarante, has reportedly been ganging up against the mayor since last year when they slashed this year’s budget from P1 billion to half.

This year, the council has also successively reduced the city’s supplemental budgets, which has caused the delay of the salaries of hundreds of job order (JO) workers.

Last Friday, the city released the salaries of the JOs which were delayed since August 20 (for the August 1 to 15 payroll). The JOs have yet to get their August 16 to 30 pay, which was supposed to be released last September 5.

In a meeting with the JOs early last week, De los Reyes blamed the council for the delay, saying the members refused to sign the budget for the salaries.

Asked which campdid not honor the agreement, Magpale said she does not know yet.

The vice governor said that the city officials, even with their conflict, should not compromise the workers and the services they provide for the city.

“Sige gihapon sila’g trabaho. Importante raba kaayo nang mga trabahoa,” she said.

She said the Capitol had also tried to help them when the conflict was just starting and suggested to them to dowhat is right to avoid problems later on.

“We tried to do what we can under the circumstance. I don’t know how else we can help,” she said.”Regardless of (political parties) we have do what is right,” the vice governor added. — Liv G. Campo/NSA (FREEMAN)