By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

SOME government employees may be forced to take a three-month unpaid holiday and other nonessential agencies may be abolished if revenue collections do not improve, according to Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr.
He said the Office of Management and Budget is projecting a $10 million payroll shortfall this fiscal year.
“(OMB) recommended the closure of certain agencies considered non-essential,” said Reyes, adding that a 90-day unpaid holiday will also be considered.
He declined to identify which agencies were considered “non-essential.”
“These are just scenarios that OMB is looking at to show the seriousness of the situation,” Reyes said. “These are worst case scenarios and we’re trying to avoid them.”
He said the administration is looking into possible legal concerns involving the 90-day unpaid holiday.
Personnel Director Mathilda Rosario, he added, wants a study to avoid legal repercussions.
Reyes said the administration needs the Legislature’s support on these budget issues and future personnel actions.
“We need legislative support in changing the law. We will consult with the Legislature,” he said.
The governor, who has proposed a $30 million cut to the current $193.5 million budget, has yet to submit his proposed fiscal year 2008 budget to the Legislature.