Release of PEI may be delayed further

The Cebu City Council’s budget committee is inclined to approve the bonuses for City Hall employees ahead of the other items in the proposed Supplemental Budget 1 (SB1).

During the second day of the budget hearing on the SB1 yesterday, some councilors noted that  employees have been asking for their Performance Enhancement Incentive (PEI) which is equivalent to a month’s  salary.

But with the many other items included in the proposed P3.32-billion SB1, they said approval of the bonus might be delayed.

“It doesn’t mean we’re rejecting the other items in the SB1. Maybe the Local Finance Committee can submit another SB. If we wait for all the discussions (on the other items in the SB1), it’s the PEI that gets stuck,” said councilor Margarita Osmeña, who heads the committee on budget and finance.

She added that since the budget hearings are still ongoing, it would take at least two more weeks before the city council can approve the final SB1.

Under the proposed SB1, P78 million will be used for the bonuses of around 5,000 employees in City Hall.

The bulk of the SB1, or around P2.42 billion, is for the full payment of the SRP loan.

Among the items in the proposed  SB1 are P87 million for garbage collection and disposal, P50 million for street lighting program and P40 million for financial assistance to solo parents which is covered by a recently passed ordinance.

Sought for comment on the suggestion, Mayor Michael Rama, who is currently in Manila, said the council should just support and approve the SB1.

“The money is there so what is the problem? They should be more expeditious and not be political about the matter,” Rama told reporters in a telephone conference.