Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto announced on Wednesday that all volunteer local government staff who were forced to retire because of the pandemic will receive separation pay for their service in the community.
"Kadalasan, kapag magreretiro na ang "volunteer status" na staff ng LGU (Local Government Unit), wala na, yun na yun. Ngunit para sa mga 65 years old pataas na forced retirement dahil sa pandemya, pinilit nating magkaroon sila ng separation pay o "gratuity pay" sa halagang 10K piso para sa bawat taon na nasa ilalim sila ng LGU. (Para sa mga Pasig Health Aide (PHA), may plus 5k/year pa para sa mga taon na BHW (Barangay Health Worker) pa lang sila) (Usually, once a "volunteer status" staff of the LGU retires, he/she does not receive any benefits. That's why we pushed for those employees aged 65 years old and above to receive separation pay or "gratuity pay" worth P10,000 for each year they served under the LGU. Pasig City Health Aides will receive an additional P5,000 per year for their years of service since they were Barangay Health Workers)." Sotto said in his Facebook post.
"Ito po ay bilang pasasalamat sa kanilang paglingkod sa ating lungsod... lalo na sa ating mga PHA na nagsilbing pundasyon ng ating serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga barangay health center. Ibang klase ang sipag at dedikasyon nila. Deserve nila 'to (This is to thank them for their service to our city, especially our PHA who served as a foundation of our barangay health services. Their dedication and diligence in serving the city is truly exceptional. They deserve this)." he added.
Sotto said he understands that some of the retirees still want to work. However, this has become difficult due to the pandemic. It is also not fair, according to Sotto, for them to continue receiving allowances even if they are not allowed to report for work because of their age.
He expressed hope that the cash incentive can help them get through the pandemic or help them start a small business.