The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved a P83.2 million supplemental budget, P78 million of which will go to the additional bonuses of the provincial government employees, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said Tuesday, December 14.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson Monday night announced that the 3,400 Negros Occidental provincial government employees will receive additional bonuses totaling P65,000 each this Christmas.
Of the total, P25,000 is from the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) bonus, Incentive Benefit for Exemplary Services – P25,000, Performance Based Incentive – P5,000, and Service Recognition Incentive – P10,000.
What was approved Tuesday was the amount for the CNA bonus, SP Secretary Maki Ascalon said.
The IBES and PEI funds are already in the annual budget and SRI will probably be approved next week.
The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees thanked Lacson, Ferrer and the other provincial government officials for their additional bonuses.
Renelo Lastierre, PACE president, said the employees are thankful to the provincial government for recognizing their efforts and sacrifices despite the danger to their lives and their families amidst the pandemic.
“Some had died serving without hesitation, leaving their families just to serve and help in our fight against the pandemic,” he said.
To those who are critical about the bonuses granted “please remember that money cannot bring back or even pay for the sacrifices and cooperation of the employees, especially the health workers and their families. The employees do not ask for what is not allowed by law.”
The source of the bonus funds are not those intended for the delivery of basic and health services but under the Department of Budget Management circulars are really for the workers benefits, he said.
Please do not poison the minds of the public by not being happy about the bonuses given the government employees, he said.
“Our salute to those who understand and are happy for the happiness of their fellow workers. Let us continue to serve with goodness rather than breed hatred and blame for the little fortune of some of our brothers. May understanding and goodness be with us all,” Lastierre said.
Lower salary grade employees will be able to get the P65,000 without taxes, while those with higher salary grades will have to pay as much as 32 percent in taxes, Ascalon said.*