Cebu City mayor wants to give bonuses to City Hall employees

CEBU CITY –– Amid opposition from some councilors, Mayor Edgardo Labella is determined to give a Charter Day bonus to Cebu City Hall employees.

In an interview, Labella downplayed claims by some councilors to prioritize residents who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I respect the decision of our councilors. But there were also a number of City Hall employees infected with COVID-19 because of their work,” he said.

“So we cannot say that the employees are not exposed to risks,” he added.

Some councilors earlier described as “awkward” any move to grant City Hall employees a Charter Day bonus when many are struggling because of the pandemic.

Cebu City’s 84th Charter Day was held last Feb. 24.

While awards were given to outstanding individuals, the city government did not release cash incentives.

In early March, the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (Praise) committee submitted its resolution to the City Council, recognizing the achievements and exemplary services done by the City Hall employees.

In the resolution, Praise said that P10,000 shall be granted to active City Hall employees, whose length of service is equal to or more than four months.

Employees who have rendered less than four months, on the other hand, will receive a pro-rated amount.

But should the council insist not to give City Hall employees a bonus, then Labella will abide by it.

“They (councilors) should know that there are City Hall employees who work very hard despite the threats of the virus,” the mayor said.

The city government last granted a P10,000 cash bonus to its employees in December 2020.

LZB