BY MAE SINGUAY

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez clarifies the status of about 1,500 job order (JO) workers who have not been receiving salaries from the city government until now, because they are considered volunteers and have no official appointment.

“Kadamu abi gasulod, they are not officially appointed because of that. It created a lot of confusion, a lot of discontent. They are excited to be appointed only to find out they are not,” Benitez said.

“We cannot accommodate all because of the restriction of the budget that we have left for this year. Ang advise ko gid, if there is no appointment, they will be considered volunteers,” he added.

Next month, a new appointment for another three months will be issued.

However, the city hall will also consider issuing a longer number of months for their appointment if a project requires it, Benitez said.

Recently, the city has about 3,500 JOs that have an official appointment./MS, WDJ