After earlier renewing the contracts for 14 provincial consultants, which Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr. said came at a cost of P600,000 a month, the Negros Occidental provincial government recently announced an additional 18 consultants have been added.

The new hires, who will be working with provincial hospitals, signed contracts that run until December 31, 2018.

Escalante previously noted, compensation typically ranges between P42,000 and P52,000 a month; however, he has since widened the range, citing salaries between P20,000 and P50,000.

Meanwhile, Rafael Coscolluela, who consults on investment promotions, trade and export development and inter-agency coordination, is paid P91,000 a month; the same goes for finance and administrative concerns consultant Roy Balicas.

Last month, former Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying (ret.), was approved by the Negros Occidental Provincial Board as a provincial consultant on internal security and public safety concerns. It was reported he would be earning P42,000 a month./PLL, WDJ