No more moonlighting at CH

CEBU, Philippines - City hall employees engaging in private practice will not be allowed to continue moonlighting until a clear policy is laid at the city hall.

The Cebu city council yesterday passed a resolution cancelling authorizations to engage in limited private practice of professionals who are employed at the city government while working as private practitioners on the side.

This was approved with abstention from Councilor Edgar Labella who said that officials could still practice as long as there is no conflict of interest.

The resolution asked the heads of departments and offices to submit to the council a list of those earlier granted authorization.

These private practitioners who are also city government employees are also required to submit a list of private engagements, copies of contracts and agreements.

In the case of lawyers, they must provide a list of all private cases, pending or resolved, which they privately handled in the last three years and the privately retained clients and their retainership agreements or contracts.

According to its author, Councilor Jun Pe, this was created in conjunction with the memorandum issued by the mayor.

Re-elected Mayor Michael Rama reminded in June 18 that the validity of his issued authority to engage in limited private practice of professionals will only be until the end of the month.

The memorandum further announced that starting July 1, these certifications will be issued on per individual request, still to be signed by the mayor.

Labella encourage those engaged in private practice to file a leave of absence when their private professions fall on a regular working day. He takes this as a challenge for those in office to take hold of a bigger responsibility.

During yesterday’s last session before their term of office ends, every council member, except congressman-elect Bebot Abellanosa, was present.

Towards the end of the session, Councilor Alvin Dizon read his proposed resolution commending every council member for their service in the past three years. –with Annie Fe Perez (FREEMAN)