Dumaguete LGU gets DBM circular granting bonuses for CH workers

CEBU, Philippines - While the notice of disallowance against the granting of the productivity enhancement incentive, or PEI, to City Hall employees last year is on appeal at the Commission on Audit-Region 7, the Department of Budget and Management has issued last December 2 its Budget Circular No. 2014-3 intended to grant such incentive.

Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said the DBM circular, his office received yesterday and signed by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, pertained to the guidelines on the grant of PEI to government employees for fiscal year 2014.

Section 9.0 of the circular provides that LGU employees, including those in the barangays who have been compensated with monthly honoraria, may be granted the one-time PEI for FY 2014 at rates determined by their respective legislative councils.

It further provides that LGUs have the discretion to set the amount of the PEI depending on the LGU’s financial capability and subject to the conditions set by law.

The same circular said an LGU shall exercise prudence in the use of local funds. In determining the amount of the PEI, the Council shall ensure that it shall be reasonable and that the expenditure will not, in any way, adversely affect the delivery of services to the public. —Juancho R. Gallarde (FREEMAN)