MANILA, Philippines - Public school teachers renewed a call for Malacañang to issue the P10,000 performance bonus of government workers, saying the extra pay is being expected by more than two million government employees this Christmas.
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), a federation of public school teachers’ associations nationwide, said government workers would be deeply disappointed if the performance bonus that the government has been giving for the past two years would not be issued this year.
“We in the government service anticipate the same incentive this year, particularly after the series of calamities that ravaged Luzon,” said Benjo Basas, a teacher from Caloocan City and the group’s national chairman.
Basas also said the increase in the prices of commodities and the coming holiday season may lead to higher spending.
“More than a monetary benefit, the performance bonus is a way of recognizing the efforts of men and women who work for the daily operation of the government and keep the Philippine state running.” Basas added.
The performance bonus, however, is not a regular benefit for government workers but a presidential prerogative.
The TDC earlier sent a letter to President Arroyo to ask for the performance bonus.
Rainier Allan Ronda
(The Philippine Star)
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