Release of P35K cash bonus still uncertain

CEBU, Philippines — The distribution of the P35,000 Charter Day bonuses for Cebu City Hall employees remains in limbo even after Mayor Raymond Garcia personally went to the national office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last week to seek clarification on whether they can release the cash.

During the flag-raising ceremony yesterday, April 14, 2025, Garcia addressed the expectations of employees whose bonuses were affected by the Comelec ban on the disbursement of public funds.

According to Garcia, he had submitted all the required documents, particularly the letter of inquiry, to seek approval. However, he stressed that they remain hopeful to receive a response anytime this week.

However, he admitted that chances are slim for the distribution to happen before the long holiday. Still, he expressed hope that the bonuses could be released before the election.

“Dili lang ko gusto nga mutaas-taas inyong expectations but we will try our best to seek and obtain that exemption para marelease nato,” said Garcia.

“Part sa Cebu City government nga side humana tanan, usa nalang ka pindot ma release na,” he added.

In a press conference held immediately after the flag-raising ceremony, Garcia said that despite the absence of a reply from Comelec, he had already instructed the Accounting, Budget, and Treasurer’s Offices to prepare for the release of the bonus.

He mentioned that if the Comelec response becomes available this week, the bonuses will be distributed before the long holiday.

During his personal follow-up at Comelec’s national office, it was reiterated that the poll body would be writing back to inform the city whether another petition needs to be submitted or if the disbursement can be granted directly.

Further, Garcia defended the intention behind the distribution and dismissed the notion that it is being used to gain political leverage for the upcoming elections as he is seeking reelection.

He emphasized that the bonuses, as included in Supplemental Budget (SB) 1, were submitted for the council’s deliberation even before the election period two months ago.

He added that the council also approved the budget before the ban took effect.

“Ang gikahadlokan man gud sa Comelec is you are giving something outside the ordinary for campaign purposes and all of the sudden nanghatag kag bonus kay tungod mamotar imong mga empleyado nimo, nangampanya kas imong ma empledayo,” said Garcia.

Garcia stressed that the bonuses are based on employee performance and are given annually, which qualifies them for exemption.

In line with this, Garcia said they are considering the option of merging the Charter Day bonuses with the employees’ mid-year bonuses, should Comelec fail to respond within the election ban period.

It was reported that SB 1, which includes the bonuses, was submitted in the first week of February and underwent a series of budget hearings and scrutiny before the council. However, the council returned the proposal to the executive and requested revisions after the bonus amount was increased from P25,000.

Garcia, who said he no longer wants to place blame, admitted that the council’s lengthy deliberations might have contributed to the delay in distribution.

“They are doing their job, that is their (council’s) mandate and ila sad na, but I don’t wanna put blame to anybody at this point,” said Garcia. — (FREEMAN)