Makati to ‘fully implement’ ATM payroll system by end of 2015

FOLLOWING the call of Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad to acting Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña to distribute the pay of city hall employees through automated teller machines (ATMs), the Makati City government on Wednesday said it would “fully implement” an electronic payroll system by the end of 2015.

Makati Public Information Office head Gilbert Delos Reyes said the ATM payroll system would help in getting rid of “ghost” or bogus city hall workers, which Peña previously said was one of his first acts of housekeeping.

“For the longest time, city hall has been haunted by the allegation of ghost employees milking the city’s funds dry,” Delos Reyes said in a statement. “By modernizing government financial management processes using available technology, we safeguard the city’s resources and end the system of ‘envelopmental employment’ since ATM accounts will only be available to legitimate city hall employees who can show sufficient proof of identification.”

Citing a 2012 report by the Commission on Audit, Abad on Tuesday said Makati is the lone government unit in Metro Manila that pays its workers manually.

“Not only are electronic payroll systems more efficient—they also help keep LGUs clear of ghost employees, since the creation of ATM accounts will require account holders to show sufficient proof of identification,” the DBM chief added.

READ: Abad urges Peña: Use ATM for Makati payroll to get rid of ‘ghost’ employees | Palace exec to Peña: Pay Makati workers via ATM

Echoing Abad, Delos Reyes said “there is no reason in the world” why Makati, the country’s premiere business district, still pays around half of its employees in cash.

“It is quite ironic that we have a so-called world-class building and a lavish office for our top local executive, yet, we can’t modernize our own payroll system,” he said. “I believe we can do better. The people of Makati deserve better.”

Seeking the support of the city council, Delos Reyes said the electronic payroll system would not only result in greater transparency and accountability, but also convenience.

“Bukod sa makakatulong ang full automation ng payroll system laban sa korapsyon, malaking ginhawa din ang maibibigay nito sa mga empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan,” he said. “It will ease the burden of our employees who have to wait in long lines just to get their salaries.”