BY NOEL SALES BARCELONA
Bulatlat.com
Posted 6:20 p.m., Aug. 12, 2008
The Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees or Courage has called on Congress to conduct a thorough investigation on the P150-million extra duty allowances or EDA being received by Department of Education (DepEd) executives, saying that their being given these is “highly criminal.”
Courage National President Ferdinand R. Gaite said in a statement, “It is not enough that the DepEd has suspended the practice. Those who benefited from it must be held accountable for squandering much needed public funds. P150 million is P150 million! And that money can be used in building more classrooms, chairs, more clothing allowances for our poor teachers, and more books for our students.”
Earlier, DepEd Sec. Jesli Lapus ordered the suspension of the EDA due to lack of guidelines of implementation.
“While teachers and non-teaching personnel of different public elementary and secondary schools are suffering from underpayment of benefits and lack of teaching facilities, these officials are enjoying the scandalous perks,” Gaite furthered.
Courage members said that they will be vigilant to ensure that the investigation of the scam and filing of appropriate charges shall push through. (Bulatlat.com)
