Pay hike for JO, Clean and Green personnel pass first reading

CEBU, Philippines — Job order (JO) employees and Clean and Green personnel in Mandaue City may soon receive higher compensation after the City Council approved on first reading two separate ordinances granting wage increases for both groups.

The measures, which seek to help workers cope with rising living costs and daily expenses, were tackled during the council’s regular session on Monday, June 22.

Prior to the approval on first reading, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano endorsed the proposed increases as part of the city government’s efforts to improve the compensation of City Hall workers.

The two ordinances were authored by Councilor Joel Seno, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance.

In an interview yesterday, Seno described the proposed wage increase as “long overdue,” saying the move had been pending for quite some time.

Under the ordinance covering JO employees, Seno said they are currently receiving P435 per day. Ouano proposed to the council an additional P15 daily increase.

“So they will be receiving P450,” Seno said.

Seno explained that while all JO employees receive the same daily rate, their total earnings vary depending on the number of days they work. He said some employees render 20 days, 24 days, or 30 days of service per month.

Meanwhile, under the ordinance covering Clean and Green personnel, workers currently receive P4,500 per month. The city mayor proposed a P300 increase.

“So that will be amounting to P4,800 monthly,” Seno said.

The councilor noted that the last increase for both groups was implemented more than two years ago.

He added that an increase is necessary, especially amid current economic conditions.

“To cope up with the times, mas maayo to think about the increase,” he said.

Although the measures have been approved on first reading, Seno said the city government is pushing to expedite the legislative process so the increases can take effect by July 1.

“That’s why sa sunod semana, I think we can do something para ma-fast track siya,” Seno said.

Following their approval on first reading, the proposed ordinances were referred to the Committee on Laws and the Committee on Budget and Finance for further deliberation before they proceed to second and third readings. (CEBU NEWS)