QUEZON CITY, Philippines – ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio is urging President Benigno S. Aquino III to use savings from this year’s national budget to give government employees a much-needed year-end bonus.
“For the first time in years, Malacañang will not give an additional year-end bonus to its 1.4 million govenrment employees,” said Tinio. “Since the legally mandated 13th month pay and cash gift were already fully released last November, government employees will not be receiving anything more. It will be a cash-strapped holiday for many rank-and-file employees in the public sector this year.”
Tinio noted that, based on the Aquino administration’s track record of underspending, substantial amounts would be available as savings in the national budget. Large amounts of unused funds would also be available from unfilled plantilla positions under the presidential lump-sum known as the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund. “Malacañang should have sufficient savings on hand to give government employees an additional year-end bonus of at least P5,000,“ said Tinio.
“An additional year-end bonus will give government employees much-needed relief and happier holidays, especially since they have not received a salary increase for the past three years. It will also give the economy an additional boost in consumer spending. For these reasons, President Aquino should immediately grant it,” concluded Tinio.
Solon: Use savings for year-end bonus of government employees
