57 casual workers to get their backpay

CEBU - The 57 casual employees of Tudela town who were not paid for four months while two mayoralty candidates feuded over the position are now assured of receiving their salaries.

Tudela Mayor Rogelio Baquerfo Jr. said the salaries of the casual employees will be given within this week.

Baquerfo said he already received a communication from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer regarding the matter.

For more than four months now, two contenders have been fighting over Tudela town. The town's leadership remains in question pending the resolution of an election case filed by Demetrio Granada against Baquerfo before the Commission on Elections.

When Granada assumed office as mayor last June 23, around 50 workers contracted for the municipality lost their jobs while some department heads, including the municipal treasurer, were not recognized by Granada.

The Bureau of Local Government Finance-7 designated Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre as officer-in-charge as municipal treasurer for a period of six months.

The order of the BLGF will take effect yesterday.

BLGF regional director Renee Empaces also ordered the treasurer on-detail, Restituto Arguedo, relieved of his designation as officer-in-charge and directed him to resume his regular position as assistant municipal treasurer of the town.

The fight between Granada and Baquerfo dates back to 1994, when Granada filed a criminal charge against Baquerfo for allegedly giving undue benefits to Barangay Puertobello in Tudela.

Baquerfo allegedly transferred a waterworks system’s management from the municipality to the barangay.

Last May 2007 Baquerfo was declared winner of the mayoralty race, but Granada filed a protest in court where he was declared the rightful winner. – Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)