Talisay seeks P5M for workers salaries

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City councilors have asked for P5.3 million in allowance for the salaries of co-terminus legislative staff of the Office of the Vice Mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Councilor Edward S. Alesna has proposed for the creation and appropriation of funds for the salaries of one item for local legislative staff III and one item for local legislative staff II under the Office of the Vice Mayor; 12 items for local legislative staff II, 12 items for local legislative assistant staff and 12 items for utility workers under the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The ordinance was also co-authored by majority opposition Councilors Dennis Basillote, Doroteo Emit, Richard Francis P. Aznar, Socrates C. Fernandez, Antonio D. Bacaltos, Jr., Eduardo R. Gullas III,  Charles Basillote and Carmel Jude Burlas, and administration minority Councilors Danilo F. Caballero, Valeriano Ylanan and Coun. Aldin Diaz.

Once the proposed ordinance is approved, it will be known as “the Creation of Legislative Staff of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Talisay”.

Alesna has cited Section 458, paragraph (vii) which states that among the powers of the city council is to determine the positions, salaries, wages, allowances, and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from city funds and provide for expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs project, services and activities of the city.

According to Alesna, the initial amount necessary for the creation of the staff is P5,315,712.00, which shall be taken from the general fund of the City of the Talisay under the budget of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

“It is the intention of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to improve the quality and competence of the staff members in order to contribute to the efficient performance of the City Council,” Alesna said.

Under the ordinance, it is the vice mayor that shall be the appointing authority of the position, the subject employees being under full supervision and control, and appropriation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Also, each member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall have the sole recommendatory power as to who will be hired under his office and that the appointment of the vice mayor shall be ministerial in character. (FREEMAN)