OUR discussions last Thursday touched other areas as well, including how the PEC falsely believed that important information it provided to the social media and other anti-corruption agencies would be passed on for the education of members of the public. It did not.

In particular, social media group such as FSII and anti-corruption body, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), were mentioned by name. These two bodies were invited to be part of the “consultation” process.

At first they all came. Later, they never showed up on two occasions, according to the PEC. Why this was so is anyone’s guess.

It is quite possible their findings on PEC’s work convinced them that the body vested with powers to determine terms and conditions of Parliamentarians is doing the right thing by the book. This thread would render vocal protests by FSII and TSI meaningless.

There are interesting questions as well that members of the social media groups such as FSII and FSI have raised in on-going discussions particularly on discretionary funds as an entitlement of Parliamentarians under Regulation 9 of the Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations (PER).

In particular, members of the public are keen to know how much work the PEC does prior to making annual determinations on MPs’ entitlements. For example, does the PEC take into account things such as the state or condition of the nation’s economy, movement of pay levels of other workers and so on?

The answer is a resounding yes.

The powers of the PEC to make determinations on MPs’ entitlements are wide-ranging. The various aspects are covered in Section 69B-C in our Constitution. Specifically, the authority comes from Section 69B(b)(i-iii) in the Constitution.

It simply says when making decisions, the PEC would have regard to:

 

• The state of the national economy and the financial position of the Government;
• Movements in the level of the pay and other entitlements admissible to other persons in employment; and
• Changes in the retail price index and other relevant indicator showing the cost of maintaining the standard of living that Parliamentarians might reasonably be expected to enjoy.”

In dealing with salaries, the PEC relies on Section 69(B)(c) as well as Section 137 of the Constitution, which provides for this matter.

Section 69B(c) says:

• The scales of salaries and other entitlements payable to Parliamentarians;
• The terms and conditions and manner of payment of such salaries and entitlements and of loans and advances on such salaries;
• Exemptions of such salaries and entitlements from taxes and other liabilities; and
• Such other matter, including matters specified in subsection (3)of this section as may facilitate the discharge of their functions as Parliamentarians.

Right now, the PEC is in the consultation mood. Soon their findings will be passed on to the Attorney General’s Chamber to ensure potential determination(s) are consistent with existing law. It is an elaborate process.

All PEC decisions come into force on 01st April every year.