Letter to the Editor - An appeal for the release of Cola differential

The cost of living allowance (COLA) is enjoyed by the government employees aside from the basic salary.

Now, its name has been changed to ACA/PERA which amounted to P2,000 per month retroactive January of this year as ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Due to Supreme Court's decision promulgated on September of last year, government agencies are authorized to give COLA differentials to their employees from 1989 to 1999 or for a period of ten years to alleviate their plight during these trying times.

In Cebu alone, places like Talisay, Mandaue, Consolacion and Lapu-Lapu City are reportedly giving COLA differentials to their employees amounting to P50,000 each so as to help solve their financial burden and obligations.

On top of this, the Capitol employees are eagerly waiting for the release of the afore-cited benefits in the sense they are wallowing in heavy indebtness from both the government and private lending institutions. They are appealing to the wisdom and kind-hearted gestures of the Capitol officials led by no less than Gov. Gwen Garcia and Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez Jr. in the hope they can also enjoy the much awaited benefits days.

Suffice it to say, the net take-home pay of Capitol employees is too small as a result of payroll deductions like GSIS membership contributions, GSIS salary loan, BIR's withholding tax, Philhealth, Pag-ibig contributions, Pag-ibig loan plus debts from the outside sources.

In this context, let's profoundly hope that the COLA differentials of the Capitol employees would be released so as to tide them over the harsh economic crisis confronting our nation today.

If done, they will forever cherish the remarkable deeds of the Capitol officials who moved heaven and earth for the ultimate release of their COLA differentials.

Jenner S. Lobedica
San Remigio, Cebu