Legarda: I have never filed a bill removing benefits from cops, soldiers, teachers

MANILA, Philippines–Senator Loren Legarda on Monday reiterated that she has never filed any bill taking away benefits from teachers, police or soldiers.

“This black propaganda has been going around since 2004 via text. There is not a grain of truth to this. It is completely untrue, baseless, and malicious,’’ Legarda said in a statement sent to media.

In fact, she said, she filed a bill to increase teacher’s salaries and benefits under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers and filed a bill to increase the subsistence allowance of soldiers and police.

Legarda said the black propaganda, which reportedly resurfaced over the weekend, is meant to dislodge her from her consistent no. 1 position in the May 13 polls for senator.

“This is to finally put an end to this black propaganda,’’ the statement said.

Earlier, the Civil Service Commission in a press release issued to media said that no bill has been filed with Congress reducing the benefits of government workers, particularly of soldiers, policemen, and teachers.

The Commission said it issued the statement to clarify reports of text messages which state that there are pending bills with Congress reducing and removing benefits enjoyed by state employees, including that of soldiers, policemen, nurses, and teachers.

The statement said that the Commission has always been consulted on matters relating to state employees.

“To the best of the Commission’s knowledge, no such bill reducing or taking away benefits or privileges enjoyed by public servants has been filed as it has not been furnished nor has it received copies of such bills,’’ the statement added.

The Senate has also certified that there are no pending bills authored by Legarda seeking to reduce/remove the benefits and allowances of military and police personnel and teachers.