Some local government units in Oriental Negros have assured that they will give a salary increase to their employees if the national government orders it to be implemented this year.

Gov. George Arnaiz said the provincial government has already set aside about P20 million for the increase. The province has more than 1,700 employees.

Arnaiz said the provincial government is expected to have a savings of about P70 million for 2006, part of which can be used for the salary increase. Meanwhile, Dumaguete Mayor Agustin Perdices said the city government is yet to allocate any amount for the increase, but promised to give it if there is an order.

City Administrator Dominador Dumalag said he is confident that City Hall will have some amount for the increase as he projected the city to have a budget surplus.

Arnaiz and Perdices said if there is an increase, it should be across the board and not by percentage.

The governor said salary hike by percentage will only widen the salary gap between those who are receiving higher pay and those who are not.

"I prefer an across-the-board increase so that everybody will receive the same amount. If it is by percentage, the employee who is paid higher will receive a bigger increase. Those paid lower will receive a small increase," Perdices said.*RA

back to top