Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced on Monday, Nov. 17, the released of P317 million in year-end benefits for regular employees of the city government.
Speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at the Manila City Hall, Domagoso said the funds were secured through stricter expenditure controls and improved revenue performance.
The P317 million allocation covers both the one-month year-end bonus and the P5,000 cash gift for all qualified personnel, including those in legislative offices.
“I ordered the City Treasurer’s Office to release this afternoon P317,014,291.84, or P317 million, worth of year-end bonuses. At hindi lang bonus ‘yung nagawan natin ng pera, kasama pa cash gift,” Domagoso explained.
Employees who have no active bank accounts may proceed to the Cash Division to claim their checks, which will also be ready for release by midday today.
The mayor admitted that securing the necessary funds was a challenge, saying the city’s finances were previously on “hand-to-mouth” status.
During his return to the City Hall after winning the May 2025 elections, Domagoso and his administration inherited an empty office and unpaid debts, including disconnection threats from telecommunications (telcos) and utility providers over unpaid dues by the City Hall amounting to P113,596,710.54.
This prompted him to appeal for a two-month reprieve to prevent service disruptions in public schools, hospitals, health centers, and city offices.
The mayor cited the department heads for enforcing strict spending discipline, which allowed the local government to meet its obligations to its workforce on time.
He also called on City Hall personnel to deliver patient and courteous service, noting that more residents are expected to visit offices in the coming weeks. (Patrick Garcia)
