THE wait began at 2 pm for provincial government employees hoping to meet with Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy.
Outside the packed Unity Hall, a mix of departments — some standing, some sitting — listened as conversations began inside.
The hall itself was already full.
Earlier on Monday, August 18, Board Member Dexter Yasay said in a privilege speech that the over-the-counter payment scheme implemented by Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy has no legal basis.
Yasay described the Uy administration as “deaf and inconsistent,” claiming the system has caused delays in public service across the province.
As the clock neared 6 pm, Uy finally arrived, making her way into the hall.
“The real waiting, however, was just beginning. It was after 7 pm before the employees from our office were called,” a Capitol employee, who wants to be identified only as Efren, said.
One by one, Efren said the workers entered the hall, handed a microphone, and questioned either by Popoy Abocejo or the governor herself.
“After the interview, we were sent back outside to wait again,” Efren said.
The provincial treasurer’s office staff were already inside. After nearly seven or eight departments had been interviewed, the salaries were finally released in sealed envelopes.
By this time, both Gov. Uy and Abocejo had already left, Efren said.
Inside the hall, a long queue formed for the payroll distribution. The process was somewhat organized but exhausting due to the sheer number of people.
It was almost 8 pm before the final employee received their pay.
The day’s grueling wait for a paycheck became a tense, drawn-out affair, where a routine task was turned into a moment of public scrutiny.
Another capitol employee, who requested to be identified as Norman, said the current salary payout is demeaning.
“We didn't finish, because we were already done with our schedule. But the picture of that day is, we really felt like day-wage laborers. It was ‘palong’ (a mix of demeaning, tiring, and frustrating),” Norman said.
Norman added: “To top it off, the amount we received was short because there was no small change, so until now, I haven’t received my missing P27.00. That’s really how I can describe it: ‘palong’ in feeling. It was degrading, I don’t know what else to say.”
It can be recalled that Uy has ordered the release of the long-delayed salary of provincial government workers, but this should be done with her around.
Provincial Administrator Angel Lim has explained on August 4 that Capitol employees can start to receive their salaries this week, covering the month of July, only that this will be released over the counter at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office upon the order of the governor.
Lim explained that the governor’s request to meet each employee is part of the government’s system of “checks and balances.”
While the employees expressed relief for Lim’s announcement of salary payout, many are still concerned about the potential “significant delays” the temporary system can cause.
“We might not finish getting paid until September,” said an employee who identified himself only as Danilo.
