Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso disbursed ₱173.67 million in overdue terminal leave benefits to 260 retired municipal employees on Tuesday, August 11, settling claims delayed for up to four years.
Speaking at the turnover ceremony in Bulwagang Villegas, Domagoso addressed the long-standing backlog, which affected workers who spent decades in public service.
“What would you feel kung ‘yung pinagtrabahuhan mong siyudad ang siya pang hindi magbibigay ng bagay na dapat lamang sa iyo?” Domagoso asked.
The ₱173,669,852 total payout was distributed based on length of service. The largest group comprised 91 retirees who served 31 to 40 years, receiving a combined ₱83.2 million. Another 24 employees with over four decades of service were awarded ₱43.4 million collectively.
While roughly 80 percent of the recipients retired during Domagoso’s current term, the remaining 20 percent had been awaiting payment since previous city administrations.
Reflecting on past labor issues, Domagoso cited an early tenure challenge where unremitted GSIS contributions forced the city to pay over ₱200 million, including penalties, so workers could access their state pensions. He stressed that settling claims promptly remains a core responsibility of the local government.
“We cannot neglect our obligation to our fellow public servants who served 10 years, 11 to 20 years, 21 to 30 years, at sa mga batang-bata pa nung una, 31 to 40 years,” Domagoso stated.
“Pinaghirapan at pinagpaguran niyo ’to. You deserve this,” he added, thanking the retirees for their decades of public service.
To prevent future delays, Domagoso pledged a streamlined clearance process for outgoing staff.
“Pag nakumpleto mo ‘yung clearances mo, kinabukasan may tseke ka na,” Domagoso assured.