Move to limit giving of allowance PNP “politicized”

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office described as an “attack” the move to limit to cops living and voting in Cebu City the city government’s allowance for the police.

“Yan ang feeling ko (it is a move against me), tapos they are justifying na they are anticipating daw na by next year magiging 1,500 ang pulis, so kulang daw ang budget,” city police director Royina Garma told The FREEMAN.

Garma said she does not know where the city got its numbers because the city did not consult with CCPO.

At present, there are 1,200 cops in CCPO.

It was during the budget hearing last week when the head of the city’s Peace and Order Program told the City Council that Mayor Tomas Osmeña wanted to limit the allowance to policemen living and voting here.

Garma said police allowance has been politicized and that it is unfortunate that other cops are caught in the crossfire.

 “I feel na it’s na-politicized… definitely na-politicized. Whether may ibigay sila na allowance o wala, patuloy kami magtatrabaho kasi may suweldo. If they feel it is fair and just to the PNP, then go, wala kaming problema. But right now, feeling ko na-politicized ng super duper ang PNP,” she said.

Garma said she would not have arrived at such conclusion if prosecutors and other law enforcement officers the city is giving allowance to are also included in the move.

Cash Assistance

Garma said she never received the P8,000 cash aid meant for police directors since the time she assumed the post. She said it would have been better if the cash was converted into logistical support.

“I want to clarify, since I assumed, hindi ako tumanggap ng allowance because ang instruction ko, huwag ibigay ang account. I told Dave Tumulak (deputy mayor for police matters), hindi ko tatanggapin. Kung gusto niya tumulong, i-convert na lang niya sa gasoline, which is better,” Garma said.

The police director said the eight policemen she brought with her to CCPO also did not accept the cash aid from the city.

Garma said that while P2,500 will not affect the overall capacity of cops in maintaining peace and order, receiving the same can affect their morale.

“Tao lang din tayo… makakaisip tayo if nagke-care pa ba sila o wala na…I feel bad for my personnel pero I don’t feel bad sa akin personally,” she said.

Osmeña has since been critical of the police following the spate of killings in the city and the alleged foiled assassination attempt against his ally, Barangay Tejero councilman Jessielou Cadungog.

Reconsider

At the City Hall, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella urged the executive department to reconsider its decision on the aid restriction.

Labella said Osmeña should not be selective in giving allowances or incentives to the officials and personnel of government agencies.

“We urge that they reconsider that becoming a registered voter should not be the main reason for not giving them the allowance. The Local Government Code states those personnel in the national government that are serving a local government unit are allowed to receive allowances like the judges, fiscals, and the police,” Labella told reporters.

“Although I do not believe that this would affect the police performance of their public functions, but just in sense of fairness and equity,” he added.

Echoing Garma’s argument, Labella said:

“How about the judges and the fiscals and other government agencies? Many of them are residents of the city of Cebu. So, does that mean we should not give them the allowance? Let’s not be selective, I suggest,” he said.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairperson of the council’s committee on budget and finance, they will take the proposed move into consideration when they deliberate on and approve the budget ordinance for 2019.

She clarified that the move is not exclusive to cops and will also cover the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Maritime Police.

“That’s the plan of the mayor. We will follow him. Maybe Tommy has his reasons. I don’t know if he’ll answer you. Maybe he’ll answer you in Facebook… It’s an incentive allowance. It’s not obligatory,” she said. - JMO (FREEMAN)