Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer renewed his assurance Monday, Nov. 23, that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will approve the proposed P4.4 billion budget of the provincial government before December.
In an interview with Capitol reporters, Ferrer said that the budget is up for second reading Tuesday, Nov. 24.
If there are no more questions, then we will immediately approve it on third and final reading, Ferrer said.
The SP will resume its regular session via zoom tomorrow.
Of the proposed P4.472 billion budget for next year, P3,993,337,346 will come from the Internal Revenue Allotment, P380,357,719 from the non-tax revenues and P98 million from tax revenues.
Allocated for personal services is P1,641,424,244; maintenance and other operating expenses, P1,374,658,871; capital outlay, P12,000,000; and special purpose appropriations, P1,443,611,950.
The SP Committee on Finance, chaired by Board Member Rommel Debulgado, deliberated the budgets of various departments twice a week for two weeks.
It appeared that there were no problems during the deliberations, Ferrer said.
The Sanngunian is also set to deliberate today the draft of the Collective Negotiation Agreement between the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees and the provincial government, as reviewed and favorably endorsed earlier by the Provincial Legal Office.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson also endorsed the same to the SP.
While a maximum of P25,000 is allowed by law for CNA incentives, Ferrer said it will be still subject to availability of funds from the MOOE.
Contractual personnel and job order casuals, who are non-PACE members, are not covered by the CNA, alliance president Renelo Lastierre said.
The MOOE covers travel expenses, communication expenses, repairs and maintenance, transportation expenses supplies and materials, advertising, printing and publication, and subscription.
Asked about about the much-anticipated “extra bonus” for employees, Ferrer merely replied “think positive always”.
Capitol employees received their 14th month bonus and the P5,000 cash gift or the PEI last week on top of 13th month pay that was released in May this year. – GB
