CHRISTMAS BONUS for gov't workers

P10,000 each for 1.4M government workers?

President Macapagal-Arroyo gave the government's 1.4 million workers a Christmas bonus of P10,000, citing a "robust economy" and savings in operations.

They will get the money not later than today, Dec. 17, said Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said that those entitled to the windfall were workers employed by national government agencies, corporations and financial institutions, as well as others who have rendered at least four months of services. Employees with less than four months service will get a bonus on a prorated basis.

Last year, the government gave out a Christmas bonus of P6,000 per government worker.

"This year, because of the good economic situation, the President thought of giving (a higher) bonus," Andaya said... and the government workers will also receive a 13th month pay...