DBM-7 invalidates granting of incentives to city personnel

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management-7 (DBM-7) has declared as illegal the city’s move granting incentives in a form of hazard pay to some personnel assigned to the market operations section and ordered that it should be stopped immediately.

DBM-7 regional director Carmela Fernan came up with the findings after her office reviewed the supplemental budget No. 5 of the Cebu City Government in 2008 that appropriated P61 million.

Fernan however clarified that not all of the said appropriations are considered questionable, but only a portion of it particularly the granting of hazard pay to some market personnel, which shall be disallowed for “lack of legal basis.”

The DBM’s report was furnished to the Commission on Audit (COA) for further action and the possible issuance of a notice of suspension because such incentive is still not received by the concerned market personnel.

City market administrator Raquel Arce said only about 80 market personnel are qualified to receive hazard pay because they are assigned to hazardous duties such as collectors or members of the market’s demolition team.

Arce said her recommendation to provide P500 monthly incentive to each of the concerned employees had been approved by the City Council which allowed the appropriation of the needed funds.

“Mas maayo na nga klarohon nila kon dili ba gayod makadawat sa maong incentives mentras karon pa nga wala pa sila makasugod og dawat,” said Arce, adding that she is not among those who are entitled to receive the incentives. – Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)