DBM ensures DOST, PAGASA employees will receive benefits

The Aquino administration is taking steps to ensure the benefits of employees of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) including government weather forecasters. 

 

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said Wednesday that to better address the issue of benefits, the 2013 General Appropriations Act will finally recognize these government perks to ensure funding sources. 

 

Furthermore, he said the budget department is set to release P39.5 million in funds to cover unpaid benefits of employees of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or Pagasa.

 

In a statement, the DBM said the release funds will cover PAGASA benefits from March to June 2012. 

 

The release—as confirmed by the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) by the DBM—will cover laundry, subsistence, longevity, and hazard allowances. 

  

Pagasa workers have been appealing to the government to release their unpaid benefits under the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel or Republic Act 8439. 

 

According to the Magna Carta, which is applicable to Department of Science and Technology employees, an agency should source the benefits from year end savings. 

 

However, Abad said that there were violations of the rules set for the provision of the perks granted under the Magna Carta. 

The budget chief noted the frequent realignment of department funds for unfilled positions to support Magna Carta benefits.

 

In some instances, the benefits were often over inflated or unwarranted, he said.

 

“When an agency realigns its funds for operational and human resource requirements, it doesn’t just run counter to this Administration’s values of transparency and accountability. It also results in the inefficient delivery of public goods and services,” Abad said. — DVM, GMA News