The president of the capitol employees’ union said that the 3,400 employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government will appeal the decision of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to do away with their extra bonus this Christmas.
Renelo Lastierre, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees, said that while they are aware of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, PACE has ready options and proposals for other benefits for the workers this December.
He said that they will also seek the help of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer.
Earlier, Lacson announced that Capitol employees will only receive the 14th month bonus.
Last year, capitol employees received an additional bonus of P60,000, aside from the 13th and 14th month benefits, respectively, which are usually distributed in May and November of every year, Lastierre said.
He also said that PACE remains optimistic that the Provincial Government will not allow a black Christmas for the employees.
“We believe and trust that Gov. Bong Lacson will always be pro-worker and as a father of the province, we firmly believe he always knows what is good for all of us,” Lastierre said.
Lacson cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the non-release of the additional bonuses for the employees.
“I think what is important is that we can celebrate it with our family. I’m sure that there will always be food on the table,” he stressed.
The governor further said there is a need to mellow down the celebration for now, adding that with the COVID-19 virus around, “we just make up next year.”
(Dolly Yasa via The Daily Guardian (TDG), photo courtesy by TDG)