Release of Capitol bonuses expected tomorrow

Though Capitol employees may have missed receiving their bonuses during Christmas, the extra cash gifts are expected to be released tomorrow, Friday.

This after the Cebu Provincial Board in a special session yesterday approved the P23-million supplemental budget intended only for extra cash gift as promised by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in her message during the Capitol's Christmas party last December 23.

Each of around 2,000 officials and all employees except consultants will receive at least P10,000 each.

Board member Victor Maambong, chairman of the committee on budget and appropriation, said that the P10,000 is to be given across-the-board for employees receiving not more than P10,000 a month.

Those who are paid more than P10,000 a month will get extra cash gift equal to the monthly salary as their 14th month pay.

Garcia, in her letter dated December 23, 2006 attached to the Supplemental Budget No. 3 submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, called on a special session. She certified the urgency of the enactment of an appropriation ordinance authorizing the supplemental budget. This prompted the board members to act on it on first, second and third readings.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., and Board members Joven Mondigo, Juan Bolo, Carmiano Kintanar, Antonio Almirante Jr., Victoria Corominas, Agnes Magpale, Rosemarie Durano, Maambong, Alfred Francis Ouano and Ramon Martin Calderon were present during the session.

Absent were PB members Raul Bacaltos, Estrella Yapha, Jose Ma. Gastardo, Gabriel Luis Quisumbing and Teresita Celis.

The extra cash gift is expected released tomorrow, Friday. - Gregg M. Rubio