BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance providing financial aid or cash benefit for the officials and employees of the city who die in line of duty and granting scholarship to the children of the bereaved family.
The ordinance authored by Councilors Roberto Ortega and Faustino Olowan stated there shall be financial assistance or cash benefit for the bereaved family of the government official or employee who dies in line of duty in the amount of P100,000 and a scholarship grant to the children of the deceased.
Under the proposed ordinance, the prescribed financial assistance or cash benefit shall cover all officials and employees of the local government, including permanent, co-terminus, casuals and job orders, provided that, the nature of death is deemed natural or not self-inflicted.
The ordinance added that a thorough investigation or assessment should be conducted by the implementing office for the qualification of the deceased official or employee to the financial assistance or cash benefit.
The ordinance cited the financial assistance or cash benefit shall be given to the immediate family of the deceased upon presentation of the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements set forth by the local government.
It stipulated that the cash benefit shall be drawn from the general fund of the local government or from any available source that will be certified as available.
The proponents argued city officials and employees play a vital role in the society as they dedicate their time, efforts and even resources to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.
Further, they claimed the officials and employees devote themselves in delivering quality service to the public and some even go to the extent of risking their lives in pursuit of their duties and functions.
Earlier, the Civil Service Commission promulgated Resolution No. 1302553 in November 2013, otherwise known as the “Implementing Guidelines in the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani” as a tribute to public servants who died in line of duty or in the performance of their respective functions, duties, and responsibilities.
Based on the CSC resolution, the beneficiary will receive a citation, cash reward and scholarship for the children of the deceased.
As a tribute to their faithful and devoted service, the proponents asserted it is imperative that the local government commend and reward these persons’ unrelenting and uncompromising efforts that are worthy of emulation.
The proposed ordinance will be transmitted to the Committee on Ethics, Governmental Affairs and Personnel for further study and recommendation and to make sure that funds for the said assistance will be included in the annual budget of the city to make sure that beneficiaries will receive their benefits.
By Dexter A. See
