Treñas seeks help of LCP, ULAP for release of extra cash gifts
City Mayor Jerry Treñas requested the League of Cities in the Philippines (LCP) and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) to closely coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the issuance of a memorandum circular for the release of extra cash gifts of regular government employees all over the country.
Treñas, who is the LCP chair, said the non-issuance of a clear-cut memorandum circular from the budget and management is now a national issue as it does not only affect Iloilo City but the entire country.
The chief executive asked the assistance of LCP President and same time ULAP national president Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. to establish contact with the national officials of the budget management soon for the release of the extra cash gifts of regular employees.
The mayor earlier made initial contact with DBM-6 Assistant Regional Director Alfonso Bedonia on the guidelines for the release of extra cash gifts. However, the DBM regional office has yet to issue a memorandum circular until now.
The absence of a DBM circular deters the local government units from releasing any extra cash gifts to the employees. The Iloilo city government has allocated an amount of P23,670,000 for the extra cash gifts of regular city hall employees.
The availability of funds for the extra cash gifts was already certified by City Treasurer Katherine Tingson. The allocation for the extra cash gifts was contained in Supplemental Budget No. 5 amounting to P73,490,928 and already approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The chief executive said the extra cash gifts of employees would be released as soon as the DBM issues the guidelines. The employees will have to go overtime if the guideline is issued after Christmas day.
They have to go overtime either by December 26 to 27 for the release of the extra cash gifts. All would be very busy on the 24th preparing for the Christmas Eve celebration, said Treñas.