Amendment pushed in budget ordinance

Personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation-7 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 will get cash incentives from the Cebu City government once the City Council approves a proposed amendment to the budget ordinance.

The amendment proposed by Councilor Eugenio Gabuya will recognize the agencies’ role in the fight against illegal drugs.

The NBI and PDEA are tasked with the enforcement of the penal and regulatory provisions of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other related laws.

“The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is the lead anti-drug law enforcement agency, responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines,” the proposed amendment reads.

“Actually, ang atong pag-amendar sa budget ordinance kay wala nalakip ang PDEA. Murag nahibilin, no, so ang ato lang dinha is maapil ang PDEA. As to how much, it’s up to the mayor. Initially, ang gusto ni mayor is same sa police,” Gabuya said.

Policemen assigned in the city get a P4,000 monthly incentive from the city government.

Gabuya said that if finances of the city will allow, the city will provide additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors, public elementary and high school teachers, as well as other national government officials assigned in the city.

The council’s committee on laws is looking into Gabuya’s proposal. It will also undergo public hearing before the Council’s final deliberation.

“Well, ang atong mayor, nangusog pagsugpo sa drugas. One of the agencies nga ni fight sa illegal drugs is not only the police but also the PDEA maong gi-apilan gyud nato,” Gabuya said.

The executive department has until October 15 to submit the proposed Annual Budget for 2017 to the council.