Bonus awaits Comelec nod

P385K CHARTER DAY GIFT FOR CITY HALL WORKERS

- Iris Hazel Mascardo, Staff Member

The distribution date for the increased P35,000 Charter Day bonuses for Cebu City Hall employees is still uncertain, as the executive department continues to wait for the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) response on the city's need to apply for exemption amidst the election ban.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia explained that since the campaign period has already started, the bonuses need to undergo Comelec approval, so they sought clarification on the guidelines regarding the matter.

On the other hand, he expressed optimism that the Comelec will issue a response within the week.

As stated under Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), public officials or employees, including barangay officials and those of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and their subsidiaries, are prohibited from releasing, disbursing, or expending any public funds for social services and housing-related projects during the 45 days preceding a regular election, unless a resolution for exemption has been issued for the release, disbursement, or expenditure.