The 3,400-strong employees of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will appeal the decision of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson not to give them extra bonus this yuletide season.
Renelo Lastierre, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees, said that while they are aware of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, PACE has ready options and proposals for other benefits for the workers this December.
But he did not elaborate further nor give out details regarding their proposal.
Lastierre said that they will also seek the help of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer.
Lacson earlier announced that Capitol employees will only receive the 14th month bonus.
Last year, they received an additional bonus of P60,000, aside from the 13th and 14th month benefits, respectively, which are usually being distributed in May and November of every year.
He said that PACE remains optimistic that the Provincial Government will not allow a black Christmas to its employees.
We believe and trust that Gov. Bong Lacson will always be pro- worker and as a father of the province, we firmly believe the he always knows what is good for all of us, ” Lastierre said.
Lacson cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason behind the non- release of the additional bonus for the employees.
I think what is important is that we can celebrate it with our family. I’m sure that there will always be food on the table,’ he added.
Pointing out the need to mellow down the celebration for now, Lacson said that with COVID 19 vaccine around, “ we just make up next year”. – GPB
