CEBU, Philippines - Twelve job order employees of the Cebu City government have not been paid their salaries but still continue to work for the city since July last year.
Councilor Edgardo Labella brought the matter to the attention of the Cebu City Council after he got a copy of the letter dated May 8, 2012, addressed to Mayor Michael Rama.
“It has been a year since we received our first salary. We received only for the months of May and June 2011 and since then and until now, we keep on expecting our salary,” said the 12 job order employees.
Labella pitied the unpaid workers when he read their letter, which stated their request.
“At this time, we ask you to pay attention to our needs, for our family to survive, to enroll our children and buy their school supplies. Now we have become anxious if we could afford to send them to school this year.”
These personnel are tasked to clear the streets of illegal structures, including the vendors who are obstructing the flow of traffic and sidewalks.
They are also the ones being tasked by the city to clear the waterways of any obstacles that hampers the flow of water.
The unpaid personnel are Leonel Velasquez, Carmelo Sonet, Rosello Suico, James Narvuada, Felix Pahayahay, Rizzardo Tamarra, Charley Merin, Bryan Pitao, Leonard Paca, Joseph Purisima, Ariel Quiliope, Nemesio Villarmia and Ramon Julius Cesar.
The City Council decided to refer the matter to Budget Officer Nelfa Briones in order to look into why the 12 job order employees were not paid their salaries for the past several months. (FREEMAN)