The approval on second reading of a proposed ordinance that calls for the reorganization of Capitol employees, by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, again hit a snag, this time because of differing documents presented on the number of created and abolished positions at the Negros Occidental provincial government.

Last week, the SP also deferred action on the ordinance due to the delayed submission of documents to board members.

Vice Governor Jose Eugenio Jose Lacson, who presided over the SP regular session, said yesterday that they were given a copy last week by Provincial Budget Officer Jose Percival Salado that showed that there will be an increase of P67 million in annual salaries, under the proposed reorganization.

Lacson said he was surprised that Salado presented different data yesterday, saying that the annual net increase of salaries will be P28.6 million, following the new staffing pattern.

It was found out that the data presented to Lacson and other SP members was dated March 14, while the data brought up by Salado during the regular session was dated March 18.

Yesterday, Lacson requested Salado and Board Member Miller Serondo, chairperson of the SP committee on Personnel, who had pushed for its approval, for the final version of the reorganization to reconcile the data.

Under the proposed reorganization, a total of 372 positions will be created, with 266 as new positions. Up for abolition are 106 positions according to documents dated March 14, obtained by the media at the Capitol yesterday.

Reacting to the impression that the reorganization of Capitol employees will mean streamlining the organization by reducing redundant positions, Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan said there is also need to create new positions that will be responsive to the actual needs of the province, because of its expanded programs and services for implementation.

Pinongan cited the implementation of the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Care Program, the personnel which came from other departments and complimented by contractual workers, and those needed to man the additional farms supervised by the Offices of the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinarian.

It is more of re-engineering or retooling the operations of the provincial government, Serondo also said, adding that the last reorganization at the Capito took place in 1991.

With the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund of congressmen, who had contributed to the NOCHP program, Lacson questioned the source of funds for the health program and salaries of the 29 personnel, to be hired.

Pinongan said they have an initial budget of P30 million this year, for the NOCHP implementation in 12 government-managed hospitals, including that in Bacolod City.

Under the proposed reorganization, he said P50 to P60 million will be allocated annually for the NOCHP, which has been implemented by the provincial government since 2010.

Vice Gov. Lacson suggested that it should be the personnel of hospitals to be beefed up.

Serondo, however, said the Provincial Alliance of Capitol Employees had already expressed its support to the reorganization of Capitol employees.

An employee affected by the reorganization may choose to avail of retirement and separation benefits, as provided in Section 5 of the proposed ordinance, entitled “Strengthening the capacity of Executive Branch of the provincial government, improving its organization structure and staffing pattern, instituting mechanisms for the smooth implementation process, and for other purposes”.

Pinongan said that personnel affected by the abolition will be given preference for appointment to the new positions, provided that they possess the necessary qualification, followed by the contractual employees, and the outsiders.

FINANCIAL SITUATION

Lacson had earlier expressed fears that the reorganization, although it will be done gradually, will put a greater burden on the financial situation of the Capitol.

Marañon advised Lacson to talk to him, or to concerned department heads, and not to outsiders, if he has questions about the budget for reorganizations.

In fairness to the media, Lacson said, he should answer questions they ask.

As to the public impression that what he is doing has something to do with politics, Lacson vehemently denied it, and said the SP is just doing its job.

Because of his opinion, Lacson said there is a lot of discussions ongoing right now at the SP. “I would also like to be able to contribute in the discussion”, he added.

Lacson also said he is not influencing other members of the SP, majority of whom belong to LOVE Negros. ”We have agreed that each member, especially those belonging to my party, will decide on their own”, he said.

Under the proposed reorganization a source said the number of positions to be created are 372, and to be abolished will be 106, with 47 held by incumbent employees.

Of the 47 posts one position each will be removed from the governor’s personal staff, public information division, and public affairs division, sports development division - 5, Provincial Library Services Division – 2, assessor’s office - 2, cooperative office – 15, veterinary office – 7, and Panaad Park and Stadium Division – 8.*GPB

back to top