D. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 2
VI. OTHER MATTERS (cont’d)
. . .
3. On the Novel Coronavirus 2020 Issue
3.1 Regent Jimenez raised some points in light of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-NCoV) issue that is gripping the nation. He said that this is a great opportunity for the University of the Philippines to show its relevance through the National Institutes of Health (UP NIH) and Philippine Genome Center (PGC). The UP NIH is about to finish the development of a test kit within the coming days that can determine whether or not a person is positive of the 2019-Novel Corona Virus (NCoV). He said that the University should support this initiative of making the unknown known through these NIH test kits. This will not only promote UP but it will also help the government control national panic and irrationality. He wanted to make sure that UP does not miss that opportunity.
3.2 President Concepcion said that the PGC had been working on the whole genome sequence of the NCoV. The goal of the NIH is to develop a cheap and faster way of detecting the virus.
3.3 Regent Farolan commended Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa, under the instruction of President Concepcion, for taking the lead and the initiative to come up with pro-active measures in dealing with problem of the NCoV.
Board Action: NOTED.
4. Matters of Regent Guillermo
4.1 Update on the release of the 2019 CNA Incentive for UP Mindanao 4.1.1 President Concepcion explained that the grant of the Collective
Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentive for FY 2019 to qualified UP Mindanao employees was suspended in audit by the Commission on Audit (COA). COA claims that the incentive lacks legal basis because the CNAs covering the payment of the said incentive were no longer valid. COA asserts that the CNAs for the two (2) Unions, both with a term of five (5) years, were registered with the Civil Service Commission only for a term of three (3) years, which is the prescribed period of validity under the rules set by the Public Sector Labor- Management Council (PSLMC). Another reason is that the CNAs include non-negotiable economic benefits like rice subsidy and grocery allowance, which are not allowed under the law.
41
VI. OTHER MATTERS (cont’d)
. . .
4. Matters of Regent Guillermo (cont’d)
4.1 Update on the release of the 2019 CNA Incentive for UP Mindanao (cont’d)
. . .
4.1.2 Given the notice of suspension, the UP Mindanao management does not want to release the CNA incentive to its employees without a specific order from the Board of Regents. On the other hand, if the Board directs the grant of CNA incentive to employees despite COA’s notice of suspension, it may find itself the subject of administrative cases filed by the COA. Moreover, the Board may be held liable for failure of the employees to return any disallowed benefits.
4.1.3 Chair De Vera shared that administrative cases have been filed against many officials of state universities and colleges for the same reason.
4.1.4 President Concepcion said that possible options are: (1) question the decision of COA and file an inquiry with the Public Sector Labor Management Council (PSLMC) about the three-year limit of validity;
or (2) terminate the existing CNAs and come up with a new one in accordance with the recommendations. For the economic benefits that will no longer be covered by CNAs, President Concepcion said that the Board of Regents has the power to provide benefits to the employees, subject to the availability of funds.
4.1.5 After further discussion, President Concepcion said that administration will address the issue at the soonest possible time. He will discuss the matter with the Union Management Monitoring Committee (UMMC) and the Union-Management Consultative Body (UMCB) in its meetings.
Board Action: NOTED.
4.2 Update on the Gratuity Pay for non-UP contractual employees
4.2.1 In compliance with Administrative Order No.20, s.2020 issued by the President of the Philippines, Vice President Yunque informed the Board that his office has just finished finalizing the list of non-UP contractuals who are qualified to receive the one-time gratuity pay in the amount of P3,000.00.
Board Action: NOTED.
42 . . .
4. Matters of Regent Guillermo (cont’d) . . .
4.3 Update on the Year-end Incentive for Lecturers
4.3.1 Regent Guillermo requested an update on the status of the year-end incentive for lecturers. Vice President Yunque replied that he already instructed the respective HRDOs to finalize the list of lecturers, to be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
4.3.2 President Concepcion assured that the funding shall be released to the CUs as soon the documentary requirements have been submitted.
Board Action: NOTED.
4.4 On the Guidelines for the Promotion of the REPS and Administrative Staff
4.4.1 Regent Guillermo reminded the Board of the commitment of the administration in creating a body to draft the guidelines for the promotion of the REPS and the administrative staff.
4.4.2 Vice President Yunque informed the Board that his office is already in discussion with the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Finance regarding the matter.
4.4.3 President Concepcion directed Vice President Yunque to include the representatives of the Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) and Administrative Staff in all their meetings.
Board Action: NOTED.
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