Baguio legislators are proposing an ordinance granting economic assistance to qualified officials and employees of the local government.
Upon the approval of the ordinance, an amount equivalent to one month of their basic salaries will be granted to them whether appointive or elective, permanent or temporary, and casual or contractual (job order or otherwise) which will be drawn from the general fund.
Economic grants to be given to qualified officials and employees paid under special purpose funds, however, will be drawn from said special purpose funds considering that it is governed by a board or committee and the intended grant will be in accordance with the guidelines set forth by said board or committee in charge of said fund.
Officials and employees qualified for the economic assistance grant are those who have rendered at least or an aggregate of four months of service as of November 15, 2019. Personnel who are formally charged with administrative or criminal cases which are still pending for resolution will still be entitled to the said grant unless proven guilty or meted penalty. A penalty in a form of a reprimand, however, will not disqualify an employee from receiving the grant.
Those who have rendered less than four months as of November 16, 2019 will also be entitled to receive a grant which will be prorated as follows: 40% for those who have rendered for 3 months but less than 4 months; 30% for those who have rendered for 2 months but less than 3 months; 20% for those who have rendered 1 month but less than 2 months, and 10% for those who have rendered less than a month.
Once approved, the grant will be given immediately to the qualified employees and officials. The Local Finance Committee will be authorized to utilize savings for the purpose.
The proposed ordinance underscores the “exemplary performance” of the officials and employees of Baguio as evidenced by numerous awards accorded to the city. It further emphasizes the said individuals’ contribution in the continuous progress and growth of the city which merits recognition and reward.
“The collaborative work of the officials and employees have produced outstanding accomplishments and resulted to a volume of recognition and awards as testimonials to the good standing of the city as a local government unit,” the proposal reads.
The proposal was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Governmental Affairs and Personnel for study and recommendations. **Jordan G. Habbiling
