Antique - The Antique provincial board has initiated an investigation into the prolonged delay in salary payments affecting approximately 800 contract of service workers within the provincial government. This decision was announced during a regular session on Monday following a privilege speech by Board Member Rony Molina.
According to Philippines News Agency, his office has received numerous complaints since January regarding the late salary payments, which have led to significant financial difficulties for the employees. As a result, some workers have resorted to taking out loans, using their automated teller machine (ATM) cards as collateral. Molina expressed particular concern for healthcare professionals who have reported dissatisfaction due to the strenuous conditions of their jobs, including 12-hour shifts during overnight hours.
Molina stated that the chairs of the committees on labor, civil service, and good governance will hold a hearing to address these issues. They plan to invite the provincial treasurer, accountant, and other relevant officials to provide explanations for the delays. Molina emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue, expressing a desire to convene the hearing as soon as possible to understand the underlying causes of the salary delays.