Manila City Hall employees will receive their midyear bonus this week after Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the city’s budget department to release the fund in compliance with the directive of the national government.
Estrada announced the release of all city government workers’ mid-year bonus during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall quadrangle, saying the fund went through a legal process to ensure that proper guidelines were met under the Commission on Audit’s rules and regulations.
“We need to follow the legal procedure before we could release the money for your mid-year bonus. This is for your hard work and good service to the public,” the city chief executive said.
The midyear bonus is equivalent to one month of their basic salaries.
The mayor said that Manila City hall employees deserve the bonus for extending public service to the city’s constituents, and a well-deserved incentive and a motivation for them to work hard.
“We have already paid our debts. Because of your help, Manila is now debt-free. While I made enemies because of many tax reforms I implemented, we are now making improvements to regain the lost glory of Manila,” Estrada said.
“We should also be thankful that all of Manila’s debts have been paid, so you have many benefits,” the mayor added.
The former President also announced that the first and second tranche of the salary and allowances of teachers, police and barangay officials have been released.
Estrada likewise assured Manileños that various programs, including free education, medical, employment, and housing, will reach his constituents, especially the underprivileged.