President Benigno Aquino III, left. AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday announced a P10,000 anniversary bonus for workers of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Bilang pinuno ako naman po ay naniniwala…marapat na bigyang pagkilala at parangal ang mga nagpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo. Kaya naman ikinagagalak kong ianunsyo sa inyo ang…inaprubahang anniversary bonus na P10,000 para sa bawat empleyado ng DOLE,” he said in his speech during the agency’s 80th anniversary celebration in Quezon City.
(As a leader , I believe that it’s just fair to recognize and reward those who performed well. That is why I am happy to announce the approved anniversary bonus of P10,000 for each employee of DOLE,” he said during the televised speech.)
The President, even before he was able to announce the amount, was cut short by cheers and applause from the audience.
“Wala pa po yung amount. Eh 10 lang po yung sinabi ko. Pwede na ho ba yung P10? (I haven’t even mentioned the amount. I only said 10. Is P10 okay with you?”)” he said in jest.
The President praised DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, calling her “heaven-sent,” for her ability to dish out good advice.
He said Baldoz requested a bonus of P20,000 for each of the employees and though he wanted to approve it, the President said it was beyond what was allowed.
Aquino said it was easy for him to approve the P10,000 bonus but said he didn’t feel the same way with the other agencies.
“Yung iba kasi ayaw sumayad nung fountain pen (sa dokumentong pipirmahan). Naalala ko yung accomplishments nila medyo manipis,” he said to the amusement of the audience.
Aquino then encouraged the DOLE to continue its good work.
In his speech, Aquino also lauded the prevailing “industrial peace climate” in the country that he hopes will attract more investors.
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