Capitol to save P18 million if stipends cut for fiscals, judges

The Cebu provincial government would save up to P18 million of taxpayers’ money if it stops giving monthly allowances to prosecutors and judges.

About P25 million is set aside each year by the Capitol for operational support for national government agencies, said Danilo Rodas, Cebu provincial budget officer.

A sum of P6 million is earmarked for government prosecutors, who each receive P10,000 while over P11 million is set aside for judges.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s announcement last Sunday that she would not allow prosecutors to receive allowances from local government offices revived the debate of whether LGU  stipends, a long-standing practice, diminished their ability to work independently.

De Lima said she wanted to restore public confidence in the justice system and has prohibited prosecutors from receiving emoluments from LGUs “to ensure they do not feel beholden to local politicians.” Rodas clarified that the Capitol’s support budget also extends to  the  police,  Commission on Audit (COA), and other government agencies.

“If these government agencies ask for financial support, like an  honorarium for personnel, then we will get it from this budget,” said Rodas unless there is an order from the governor to stop the current distribution.

READ: NO STIPENDS FOR FISCALS

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the monthly allowances “ease the burdens” of judges and prosecutors. He wasn’t inclined to stop the practice.

During a press conference on Monday, he said local chief executives are not under the DOJ but he would consult the opinion of other Capitol officials on the issue.

He said it would be a relief for the Capitol if the allowances are prohibited but said he would wait for a formal order from de Lima.

The governor said that he trusts the judiciary to do its job despite the notion that the independence of their office may be impaired by LGU  allowances.

“I trust our fiscals. They know what they are doing. They became fiscals because they passed certain requirements when they applied for the position. They are dedicated to their work, very hard working, and honest,” Davide told reporters.

“Some of them are assigned in distant cities and towns and we know that it might be hard for some of them,” he added.

On the other hand, he said some are already quite earning well and may no longer need allowances anymore.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, a lawyer, said he would continue giving allowances to assist the justice system.

“What’s the problem? Have they (fiscals, prosecutors) decided cases because we are giving them incentives? Are we belittling our people in the judiciary because they are being given?” Rama saidIf that’s the case, LGUs should also withdraw honorariums given to the police, and barangay workers, he said.

He said the practice “was started by my predecessor. I supported it.”

Corruption arises from lack of logistic support for personnel, he said.

He said Secretary Lima should be more circumspect because the salary of prosecutors is not sufficient.

“If there are LGUs that can afford to help, they should not be barred,” said the mayor.

Under the Local Government Code, the local council may provide additional allowances and benefits to  “judges, prosecutors, public school teachers and other national government officials stationed in the area “when the finances of the City Government will allow.”

Republic Act 10071 or the Prosecution Service Act of 2010 also states that prosecutors shall receive allowances from their LGUs in amounts not exceeding 50 percent of their basic salaries.