SP gives nod to Capitol workers' wage hike as 2 board members object, 1 abstains
Over P37.9 million in appropriation was approved yesterday by majority of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP).
The amount is set for the much-awaited ten percent salary increase to over 2,000 workers of the Iloilo Provincial Government.The said compensation adjustment was based on Executive Order No. 719 of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.Such became the primary reason for the objection of two board members and the abstention of another.
In what was yet another historic session yesterday, Capitol employees filled the media gallery and guests section.Asked why, one veteran employee said it was what Manuel Mejorada, top aide of Governor Niel Tupas asked during Monday's flag ceremony.They have to be there, Mejorada reportedly said, to lobby the approval.
When the ultimate approval came, three women employees appeared confused saying all the while the impression was that the SP body is out to deny it.More confusion even, when the objection came from Fourth District Board Member Shalene Hidalgo and Second District Board Member June Mondejar. Both are known to be allies of the governor in the SP body.While it was Second District Board Member Rodolfo Cabado who chose to abstain with the trio explaining thereafter the reasons.
Mondejar was first and blunt with his position -- he objected to the salary increase because of the manner that it was pushed.As far as Mondejar is concerned there are only two allowable modes – augmentation and by Supplemental Budget.
"I don't know what mode is this 'Unnumbered Appropriation Ordinance'..I oppose because this is contrary to budget preparation and budget authorization process.What happened here?," Mondejar decried.
Hidalgo for her part summed up her objection by saying her sentiments are the same with Mondejar.She also stressed, "and I repeat it again," that the vote against the salary increase was primarily because any wage adjustments should not be through 'GMA-way' and only through 'Tupas-way.'
Board Member Cabado's explanation came in a hushed jampacked session hall.
He began by disclosing efforts to reach an impasse between the governor and the SP body.He was even tasked to be the "informal ambassador" to broker peace talks if only to thresh out and adopt "legal and practical measures."
Eventually came the abstention though when the house was divided yesterday with Cabado saying "I feel that I am not in the position to vote either way."
"But I would have voted for it….yet I am not comfortable with the present structure and how it was worded," Cabado said.He also expressed concerns that with the SP body's desire to hasten the salary increase distribution "we might actually delay it."
Most of the workers who eventually left the session hall were seemingly oblivious though on the explanations.Majority reached for reactions are ecstatic of the yes vote winning – GMA way or Tupas way is not for them to worry, they said.
A Total of P37,911,677.75 was earmarked as per first "Unnumbered Appropriation Ordinance" approved under measures for Third and Final Reading.