The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City is set to pass an appropriation ordinance today in the amount of more than P15 million for the additional bonus of the City Hall employees.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the additional amount of P10,000 each as Service Recognition Incentive will be given to the city employees on top of the five types of cash incentives that they have received in November and December.
On Dec. 18, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Administrative Order 37, in line with the implementation of Joint Resolution 4 inked on June 17, 2009, which allows the release of incentives as rewards for a government employee’s loyalty and exceptional financial and operational performance.
This is to recognize the value and importance of government employees for their participation and contribution in the current efforts towards streamlining of government procedure and delivery of public services.
Those entitled to receive the SRI are the more than 1,500 employees who are occupying regular, contractual, or casual positions.
The additional bonus might be received by the employees before New Year, the vice mayor said.
Familiaran added that before the passing of the ordinance, the Sangguniang Panlungsod will determine first the amount submitted by the City Budget Office because the guideline states it would depend on the city’s financial capability and subject to the supplemental guidelines issued by the Department of Budget and Management.
In a statement, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said, “This is the best Christmas bonus and incentive package for our city employees ever. And it comes at a most appropriate time because we are in the midst of a pandemic.”
In total, the city employees have received year-end bonus, performance-based bonus, cash gift of P5,000, Collective Negotiation Agreement incentive of P25,000, and productivity enhancement incentive of P5,000.
Bacolod City has given all allowable bonuses and incentives, topped by the performance-based bonus given only by selected local government units, the mayor said.
At the Capitol, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday the provincial government is studying the possibility of granting another extra bonus for its employees, after Duterte approved a one-time incentive of up to P10,000.
Lacson added that he has to find out first if the extra bonus granted by the President is included in the computation of salary cap.
“If (the fund) is available, we can give,” he said.
The SRI is set at a uniform rate not exceeding P10,000 for civilian personnel in government agencies and state universities and schools, soldiers, policemen, Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, jails and prisons. – MML
