Qualified employees of the city government here have been assured of their benefits and privileges this holiday season with the approval of the PHP47.224 million budget by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Provincial Board).

The budget was included in the PHP114.658 million Supplemental Budget No. 4 that was passed by the council during its regular session, Councilor Jose Efrain G. Treñas III said in an interview.

“Our city hall employees will have their bonus,” Treñas said.

The benefits and bonuses are contained in the special purpose appropriation of the supplemental budget.

It is composed of payment of Collective Negotiation Agreement (CAN) worth PHP20.009 million; Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) totaling PHP9.025 million; and Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) worth PHP18.190 million.

In an earlier interview, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas assured that city hall employees would get the SRI so long as they are qualified based on the criteria set forth in the granting of the incentive.

Administrative Order 19, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 2, allows the release of the SRI not exceeding PHP10,000.

Section 6 of the order states that the granting of SRI to the local government unit would depend on the latter’s financial capability subject to their Personnel Services (PS) limitation.

The more than PHP18 million SRI budget stands to benefit more than 1,800 qualified employees of the city government. The order provides that the SRI shall be released not earlier than December 20.

On the other hand, qualified employees can also avail of the CNA worth PHP11,000 and the PEI, which is PHP5,000 each.

“Our city council and the rest wanted a bigger amount but that is what the city can afford,” the mayor said.
In totality, qualified employees can receive PHP26,000 each. (PNA)