Valenzuela releases 13th month pay, bonuses of employees

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has ordered the release of the 13th month pay and other yearend bonuses for city employees.

Marither Menia, Gatchalian’s spokesperson, said a total of 1,851 local government employees have received their 13th month pay from the P16.3-million allotted them by city government.

Acting city budget officer Pia Febes Aquino said another P48.6 million will be given to the city’s workers on or before the second week of December as extra bonus, productivity pay and loyalty pay.

Gatchalian said economic pressures on the consumers usually mount towards Christmas Day.

“It would be of great help to the workers and their families if their 13th month pay and other benefits are given them as soon as possible,” he said.

Gatchalian said Presidential Decree 851, modified through Memorandum Order 28, mandated the giving of 13th month pay regardless of the nature of employment and irrespective of the method by which wages are paid, provided the employee worked for at least one month during the calendar year.

Gatchalian said the 13th month pay required by law should be given to the workers not earlier than Nov. 15 and not later than Dec. 24 of every year. – Jerry Botial, Pete Laude