DILG spox admits delays in release of contact tracers’ salaries

The spokesman of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday admitted that there had been delays in releasing the salaries of contact tracers deployed to assist in the government's response against COVID-19 pandemic.

But at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya clarified that the issue has already been resolved. Delays were because of the incomplete documents of contact tracers, he reasoned out.

"Yun pong mga delay sa sweldo, well I would admit there were some delay kasi sa mga sanay sa gobyerno, there are two things to make the salary complete," Malaya said.

"Number one, funds must have been released to us by DBM, number two the documentary requirements sa pagsweldo must be complete so usually po ang reason of delay, kulang kulang 'yung dokumento ng contact tracers," he added.

Malaya said contact tracers must have a Landbank account, a BIR registration, a daily time record and a certificate of attendance to get their salary on time. 

Under the guidelines set by the DILG, contact tracers will earn a minimum of P18,784 per month on a contract of service status.

Malaya said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año already tasked DILG field offices to hasten the process of releasing the salary of contact tracers.

He said at least 50,000 contact tracers are deployed nationwide. — RSJ, GMA News