City Government of Valenzuela
Public Information Office
PRESS RELEASE
November 13, 2007

"City Government Employees Enjoys Early Christmas Bonus And Salary Increase"

City Government of Valenzuela City has approved the budget allocated for the Christmas "bonus" of all employees of the City Government of Valenzuela for the year 2007, which will be given this 15th of November. The said monetary bonus is apart from the 13th month pay that permanent and casual employees regularly receive every year.

City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian principally urges the early release of said bonus and the implementation of the 10% salary increase in recognition of the fast approaching Yuletide season.

Mayor Gatchalian believes that Christmas is one of the traditional and important occasions that majority of Filipino families celebrate every year. “The City Government would like to take part, in its little way, in making this season worthwhile and mirthful to all its employees."

Likewise, the City Government is implementing the 10% increase in the salary of all its employees. This is pursuant to the Executive Order No. 611 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last March 14, 2007 and covered by implementing guidelines, as indicated in the National Budget Circular No. 511 dated June 18, 2007.

City employees are expecting to get the differential of the increase in their salary on the 30th of November. The said differential is calculated from the date of the effectivity of the increase, which was on the month of July, this year, 2007.

Jojo Ignacio, employee of the City says, "The 10% increase, as well as the Christmas bonus means that there will be white Christmas for all city employees. Also, the increase in our salary is a great help to us, especially, since prices of basic commodities have increased lately."

Alongside with the monetary benefits, Mayor Gatchalian has, again, emphasizes through a Memorandum he issued, that all government employees are prohibited from soliciting Christmas gifts in whatever form, from any public or private entities. The Mayor says, "We are doing our best to provide the basic needs of our people for this coming season. First, in recognition of the importance of this occasion and probable expenses in celebration therewith. Second, for employees not to be compelled to indulge in any act or form of graft and corrupt practices in the guise of gifts as they prevalent during these times."

Said memorandum was issued in accordance with RA 6713, otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Mayor Gatchalian wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. However, he sternly warns that violators of the said memorandum shall be dealt with and penalized accordingly.