News briefs
LIFEGUARD ORDINANCE PROPOSED IN MANDAUE
A PROPOSED Mandaue city ordinance will require all hotels, barangays, parks, resorts and subdivisions with swimming pools to provide lifeguards to protect swimmers.
Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for Filipino children aged 14 years old and below, based on a study of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) cited by City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas.
Downing accidents of children in pools happen where there are no lifeguards or adult companions with background in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Owners and operators who fail to hire lifeguards in their pools or beaches will be penalized with fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 or be imprisoned for 45 days or both fine and imprisonment upon the court’s discretion.
Lumapas’ draft ordinance was approved on first reading on Wednesday. It was sent to the committee on laws for review. Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza
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CASTRO TO CONTINUE RECEIVING ALLOWANCE
CEBU City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro has something to smile about.
The Cebu City Legal Office affirmed that she is still entitled to an P18,000 monthly allowance despite being assigned acting prosecutor in Talisay City.
“She hasn’t divested her responsibility as (assistant) Cebu City prosecutor. She is still performing functions as Cebu City prosecutor and thus prosecuting cases from the city,” said Cebu City legal officer Jerone Castillo.
“Since there is no prohibition under the law and is in fact silent on this matter, the monthly allowance cannot be withheld. Otherwise, it is tantamount to depriving an employee of a benefit he or she is entitled under the law,” Castillo said.
Fiscals, judges and clerk of courts receive monthly allowances from the city government. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier expressed anxiety over allowances given by local governments.
De Lima said receiving these allowances is “questionable” and may pose conflicts of interest for prosecutors handling cases involving local government units (LGUs).
A prosecutor has a basic salary of P25,000 to P50,000 depending on his rank or length of service.
A monthly stipend from the local government unit is given if the town, city or province has a budget for it.
Prosecutors also receive “special” allowances from the DOJ ranging from P10,000 to P15,000 and released quarterly. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol
