25% hike in paychecks of CH workers in 2010

CEBU, Philippines – Good news to all City Hall and casual employees of Cebu City.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced that the city will implement effective January 1, 2010, a 25-percent increase in salaries of the more than 4,000 regular and casual workers of the City Hall.

He said he is including in the next year’s annual budget the amount of P98 million which will cover the increase of personnel services.

“Because we are so poor we are going to increase the salaries of our employees, we are allocating P98 million for this purpose,” Osmeña said.

The mayor is taunting the opposition saying that the increase in salaries is on top of the numerous projects the city is implementing starting now because of the surpluses contrary to the opposition’s allegation that the city is broke.

Councilor Jose Daluz III, head of the council’s committee on finance, said that Osmeña’s announcement is a welcome development.

“It will be very good news for all City Hall employees, the mayor will indeed realize the aim of President Arroyo that salaries of public offices will now be at par with the private sector,” Daluz said.

He also said that the increase is “pursuant to the Salary Standardization Law which was approved in Congress” and also “further made into law by an Executive Order mandating both the public offices and the private sector to modify the salaries.”

National government agencies already took effect the 25-percent increase last July while local government units were ordered to make their respective adjustments by January 1 next year.

“Of course depending on availability of funds, not all LGUs can afford such increase,” Daluz said.

According to the SSL, all salaries will have a gradual increase of 25 percent annually starting next year and in the next three years.

“A department head classified with Salary Grade 27, currently receiving P26,000, will already have a salary of P62,000 in the next four years,” Daluz added.

Further, he said that the P98 million will be included in the 2010 annual budget which is due for submission on October 15. – Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)