PNoy approves P10k bonus for DOLE employees

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III approved the granting of P10,000 bonus to employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which was celebrating its 80th anniversary on Monday.

"Sa totoo lang ho, maganang-magana ang pagpirma ko nitong inyong anniversary bonus," Aquino said in his speech in Quezon City as he praised the DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz and her agency.

"Sa iba ho kasi medyo ang hirap sumayad ng fountain pen. Naalala ko ho ‘yong mga accomplishments nila medyo manipis eh," the President said in jest.

Aquino also claimed that there is a good relationship between workers and companies as the number of labor strikes since 2010 remain low.

"Sa 152 notices of strike and lockout ngayong taon, isa lang ang natuloy na welga. Ito raw po ang pinakamababa sa kasaysayan ng DOLE," Aquino said.

In his speech, Aquino also praised the new labor law compliance and the incentivizing system as means to address the issues on labor contractualization.

Aquino also lauded the DOLE and other agencies for programs that would help and protect around 100,000 young Filipinos from child labor.