Mandaue City: It’s just suspended, not removed

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City administrator James Abadia clarified that the city is only suspending the release of the public teachers' cost of living allowance (COLA) following the notice of disallowance from the Commission on Audit.

"No, wa' na gitangtang. Naa may order from COA nga dili pwede i-charge sa (Special Education Fund), so pending the determination where we can get the money for it, suspended sa siya," said Abadia.

The city recently suspended the P700 per month COLA of the city's more than 2,000 public school teachers, leading to speculations that the city has put an end to the teachers' monthly benefit.

But Abadia said they will find a way to source out funds so the teachers can enjoy their COLA again. He said, however, that he is not sure if once it is reinstated, it will be retroactive to the date it was suspended.

He said COA's notice of disallowance was for the 2015 release of COLA, which, according to Abadia, is questionable considering that they have been giving the same benefits to teachers for the past many years, adding that the COLA is based on the recommendation of the school board and approved by the City Council.

According to Abadia, other local government units like Cebu City are also providing teachers with the same benefit and even giving higher amounts.

Besides Abadia, Mayor Jonas Cortes and city treasurer Regal Oliva also received the notice, which means they will have to refund the released sum.

However, Abadia said, "We'll avail of legal remedies" by filing for an appeal.  (FREEMAN)