Extend 14th month pay, cash bonus to private sector employees, contractuals — solon

Private sector and contractual workers should receive a 14th month pay and the P5,000 bonus enjoyed by government employees "so that their Christmas can be bright as well," a party-list lawmaker said.

“Certainly, they deserve the 13th month and the 14th month pay, not because of humanitarian reasons, but because like regular government employees, they also perform public service delivery day in and day out in government offices,” Kabayan Representative Ron Salo said.

"KABAYAN party-list will exert best efforts in convincing our colleagues in Congress on the need to amend the Labor Code to provide for mandatory 14th month pay and year-end bonus, as this is in the best interest of Filipinos and the national economy. There is enough time to make this happen before our term ends,” he added.

Salo hopes small, medium and large scale businesses would support this proposal. 

"Perhaps the Labor Department can find ways to relax or provide exemptions to some stringent administrative regulations for complying businesses," he said.

He added that documentary requirements may also be put aside if employers would give 14th month pay and cash bonus.

"Basta gusto, may paraan. Hahanap tayo ng iba’t ibang paraan para hindi mapag-iwanan ang mga empleyado sa pribadong sektor, kasama ang mga J.O.s (job order) sa gobyerno," Salo said. —Erwin Colcol/ LDF, GMA News