Oliva to give last paycheck to unpaid Umapad workers

CEBU, Philippines — The last 13-month pay of former Mandaue City treasurer Atty. Regal Oliva has already been earmarked for the barangay workers of Umapad who have not received their honoraria for eight months.

Oliva made this announcement during a visit to the barangay over the weekend.

The former treasurer confirmed that the entire amount of ?125,000 will be donated to the workers whose salaries have been withheld from January to August last year.

Oliva stepped down as city treasurer immediately after filing a Certificate of Candidacy to run for Congress representing the lone district of Mandaue.

“At least, di man kaayo na dako ang akong madawat pero makatabang lang hinuon ko sa mga trabante nga wala makasweldo dinhi sa barangay Umapad,” said Oliva in an interview last Saturday.

Oliva said this “small” amount is meant to acknowledge the workers' sacrifices and continued efforts in the barangay, despite not receiving any salary.

With this, Umapad Barangay Captain Reb Cortes extended his gratitude to Oliva, highlighting the significant impact of the donation to the barangay workers.

Cortes said Oliva's help will bring joy and motivation to the workers, who continue to serve the community despite challenging circumstances.

“Bisa’g 100 kapin kabuok trabahante, bisan ginagmay dako na kaayo na nilang tabang. At least lang maka-feel sila og love and support,” said Cortes.

“Nakita g’yud nako nga love nimo ang Umapad,” Cortes told Oliva.

To recall, the 132 barangay workers in Umapad, Mandaue City, only received their monthly honoraria for the months of September to December.

Cortes said that the barangay workers, including tanods, Clean and Green personnel, lupon members, and drivers, among others, received their salaries in the second week of December.

However, Cortes said that the honoraria for services rendered from January to August has yet to be settled with the barangay council.

To recall, salaries of the barangay employees were put on hold for almost a year after the barangay’s finance committee chairperson refused to sign the payroll.

Councilwoman Libertine Lumapas previously claimed that she refused to sign the payroll from January until August 2024 because the appointment of the employees didn’t undergo concurrence or approval by the majority of Umapad Barangay Council. –/BRP (FREEMAN)