President Benigno Aquino III announced a P10,000 anniversary bonus for employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday.
“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,” PNoy said in his speech during the agency’s 80th anniversary celebration.
According to National Conciliation and Mediation Board, labor strikes in the country remains low since 2010.
The President praised DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, calling her as “heaven-sent,” for her ability to distribute recommendations and President Noy hopes the anniversary bonus will encourage DOLE workers to continue to do good in serving the country.
Aquino also praised the DOLE for its aid after super typhoon “Yolanda”(Haiyan) devastated the country one month ago.
“Wala pa po yung amount. Eh 10 lang po yung sinabi ko. Pwede na ho ba yung P10?”he said in jest.
President Aquino said Baldoz initially requested P20,000 bonus for each employees but Aquino considered the supposed approval as beyond what is allowed.
“Yung iba kasi ayaw sumayad nung fountain pen (sa dokumentong pipirmahan). Naalala ko yung accomplishments nila medyo manipis,” the President said to the amusement of the audience.