Reporting last year, state auditors said the P2,491,411.26 given to Pagasa personnel was because the hazard pay computations were based on the new salary rate in violation of Executive Order 611, dated March 14, 2007 and EO 719 and Joint Resolution No. 4 signed on June 17, 2009.

Under EO 611, “there shall be no corresponding increase in the present allowances and benefits being received by or paid for civilian government personnel, which are computed at a percentage of their basic salary notwithstanding the ten percent salary increase authorized therein,” the COA said.

EO 719 states: “All allowances and benefits which are computed at a percentage of salary or base pay shall not be increased notwithstanding the ten percent salary and base pay increase authorized in this Executive Order,” the COA added.

State auditors said the same prohibitions are reiterated in the Rules and Regulations on the Grant of Compensation Adjustments to National Government Personnel.

“The payment of hazard pay of Pagasa personnel for the period Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009 was based on New Basic Salary Rates resulting to overpayment of hazard pay amounting to P2,491,411.26,” the COA said.

“We recommended that management cause the refund of the overpayment of hazard pay of Pagasa personnel in compliance with the above-mentioned rules and regulations.”

However, Pagasa said EO 611 does not apply to science and technology personnel because the law that governs payment of hazard pay for them is Republic Act 8439, a special law, which Congress intended to uplift the lives of science and technology personnel.

“Further, management explains that DOST (Department of Science and Technology) has a pending request for reconsideration on the interpretation of EO 611,” the COA said.

Michael Punongbayan, Philippine Star