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Don't delay P10k bonus beyond Christmas break, teachers ask Palace


While they thanked him for granting them a P10,000 Christmas bonus this year, public school teachers asked President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday to make sure they can get the bonus before Christmas vacation starts. The Teachers Dignity Coalition voiced concerns that like in past years, many teachers do not get their bonuses until after the holidays. "We expect this (Productivity Enhancement Incentive) to be released in our respective schools starting today, however, we anticipate the possible delay as in the past. We just hope that it will be given at least before Christmas vacation," TDC chairman Benjo Basas said on the group's website. Aquino signed Administrative Order No. 3 last November 25 ordering the Budget Department to provide funds for the PEI of all government employees. Basas said the teachers are thankful that Aquino heard their appeal and granted them this bonus, which they enjoyed in the past administrations. "We just hope that said bonus will be given on time," he said. Under the DBM's Budget Circular 2010-3, teachers and other government employees shall be entitled to a maximum P10,000 bonus. Of the amount P7,000 shall be appropriated by the DBM and the remaining P3,000 shall be from the savings of respective agencies. The bonus is expected to be released starting Wednesday. But according to the TDC, this traditional PEI or performance bonus is also "traditionally delayed." "Most of the time, teachers receive their bonus after Christmas or even after New Year celebration which practically defeats the purpose of this incentive," Basas said. In 2005 and 2006, the Arroyo administration gave government employees P5,000 and P6,000 performance bonus. From 2007 to 2009, employees received a P10,000 cash gift. "At any rate, we are thankful that the president continued this tradition begun by his predecessors," Basas said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV

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