CEBU, Philippines - The local government of Borongan City has recently approved its P452-million budget for 2013 expenditures.
As a newly approved city, Borongan will enjoy bigger annual internal revenue allotment (IRA).
Two years ago, the Supreme Court (SC) changed its decision on Borongan’s cityhood, together with other 15 municipalities in the country, including three in Region 8. The SC decision confused the LGU budget and derailed some of its operational expenses and infrastructure projects.
This time however, with an IRA of a city, the LGU is likely to settle its accounts payables, including the cost of living allowance (COLA) of 301 city employees which will be taken from the city savings.
A press statement stated that the COLA payables of the city dates back to 1989 up to 1999.
For the current year, Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda has already allotted P9 million for employees’ COLA benefits on staggered basis or in two payments, the last payment of which will be made in 2014. (FREEMAN)