Council seeks early release of 13th month pay, cash gift

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu City Council yesterday passed a resolution requesting Mayor Michael Rama to release the remaining half of the 13th month pay and cash gift of the city officials and employees not later than November 30.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, chairperson of the committee on budget and finance, sponsored the resolution in behalf of the employees who are asking the early release of their Christmas benefits.

The members of the council also requested the City Treasurer’s Office to start processing the payroll. Although a resolution was not necessary but the council can request the executive to release the benefits early, said Councilor Joey Daluz.

Each City Hall employees has P2,500 remaining cash gift and half of their one month salary. Although most of them are hoping that Rama will grant additional benefits for Christmas.

Last year, Rama granted additional P10,000 Christmas bonus to each employee. However, this is said to be impossible this year, according to some city officials, because there is no budget allocation for it.

Although the mayor has not made an official statement about it because he was in Manila yesterday. The city government needs P50 million for the 5,000 employees should additional P10,000 Christmas bonus be granted this year. — (FREEMAN)