By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SENATE Vice President Corina Magofna on Friday provided an update on pending payments to local artists, saying they will not be paid this week as previously announced.
Magofna earlier said that Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture Director Gloriana Teuria informed her via email that local artists and cultural performers who participated in CCAC activities would receive their payments this week.
However, the senator said Teuria told her during a meeting on Thursday that the applications, which are now with the Commonwealth Treasury, are awaiting the grantor’s approval of a drawdown request. As a result, the payments will not be issued this week.
Magofna said Teuria was scheduled to submit the drawdown request on Friday and that approval from the grantor is expected within one to two weeks. Local artists and cultural practitioners can therefore expect payment within 30 days.
She added that the CCAC has begun uploading the remaining applications and required documents to the Department of Finance for review and approval of completed activities, projects, and support services.
According to Magofna, Teuria said that once the entries are posted and approved, the Department of Finance will provide the Treasury Division with a batch listing for payment processing.
The senator stressed that CCAC must submit the drawdown request to the grantor and obtain approval before the Treasury can proceed with the payment process. Once the grantor approves the request, the Treasury will be able to print the checks, she said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
