← BACK

JV Ejercito criticizes ARTA over slow response to San Juan retirees’ terminal leave dispute

October 11, 2023

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito questioned the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) regarding the delayed resolution of complaints from San Juan employees who, after retiring in 2019, had not received their terminal leave.

During the Senate Finance Subcommittee “H” meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ejercito revealed that there are currently 11 former employees in San Juan who are yet to receive the money nearly four years after their retirement in 2019.

"That’s about a total of 30 employees back then. Buti na lang nag-privilege speech ako nung February, gumalaw ang ibang kaso," Ejercito said, stressing the significance of terminal leave, a financial benefit earned through years of service.

"That is theirs because pinaghirapan po nila ‘yon. I don’t think anybody has the right really to withhold those because they earned it through the years," Ejercito emphasized.

The lawmaker from San Juan shared his disappointment in not receiving a response to his letter dated March 7, 2023 which was sent to ARTA. Despite his position as a senator, his letter went unanswered for six months.

"Hindi naman para sakin ‘to, para doon sa mga pinaglalaban natin na hindi binibigyan ng terminal leave. Hindi niyo nga sinagot eh, nagkaroon ng resolution six months after. So how can an ordinary citizen expect that ARTA would listen to their complaints?"

He asked why such a simple case took more than three and a half years for ARTA to resolve. He highlighted the irony of ARTA's role in combating red tape while these cases remained unresolved for an extended period.

ARTA Director General Atty. Ernesto Perez acknowledged the oversight, apologizing for the unintentional delay in responding to Ejercito's letter.

"I sincerely apologize for the [oversight]. I assure the good senator that it was not intentional. Because my directive to our lawyers is always to act in response to any question or queries," Perez said. "I totally agree with you that any citizen regardless of position or status in life is entitled to speedy justice."

Perez assured the lawmaker that this was an isolated case and pledged that it would not happen again. He also mentioned that efforts were underway to enhance their response system, particularly through an electronic complaint monitoring system.

Ejercito hoped that ARTA would become more proactive, fulfill its mandate, and show that it is responsive to the concerns of both ordinary citizens and elected officials.

"Ang akala natin those who have less in life, should have more in law. It took three and a half years before ARTA was able to resolve this case, Bakit? Dahil ba mga empleyado lang ito ng munisipyo o ng city at ang kalaban eh Mayor?"

He also pointed out that this issue was not politically motivated but a matter of principle and justice for the employees who were yet to receive their terminal leave benefits after years of service.

#

Stay Ahead with JV Ejercito: Get the Latest Updates,
Insights, and News


    ×

    Stay in touch

    Subscribe with JV Ejercito’s Newsletter: Get the Latest Updates, Insights, and News

      Full Name

      Email

      Mobile Number (Optional)