Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman called on both the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the national government to ensure that the rights and privileges of around 6,000 outgoing ARMM employees are protected, including their separation pays and other benefits.
“I call on the BARMM government and the Department of Budget and Management to ensure the protection of the welfare of ARMM employees whose terms of service will end this year,” said Hataman, who served as ARMM governor for more than seven years.
He said all the benefits due the outgoing ARMM employees must be given to them.
“While we all aim at having a smooth transition from the previous regional government to the new Bangsamoro autonomous government, we should make sure that the welfare of these employees be also given utmost attention. And this includes paying their separation pay and other benefits at the earliest possible time,” he added.
The Basilan legislator noted the announcement of BARMM that it has started its phase-out plan that will gradually relieve 6,000 employees in six areas: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato City.
The phase-out plan is due on the last week of December.
“What is problematic here is that an announcement has been made on the phase-out plan but according to the DBM, they still do not have the documents needed to start the process,” Hataman lamented.
“These are hardworking men and women who are public servants. So my appeal is that the DBM expedite their retirements, separation pays and other benefits,” he added.