Negros Occidental fast-tracks 2023 bonuses for employees

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental is expediting a supplemental budget to release the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for hundreds of regular and casual employees, even as it appeals a 15% deduction linked to an anti-red tape compliance issue.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed Thursday that eligible employees will receive a bonus equivalent to 50% of their monthly basic salary before the end of the year.

The province, however, is appealing to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) after being denied the full 65% bonus due to the lack of an Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Certificate.

Diaz explained that officials were caught off guard, as they believed the requirements under the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)—which already include ARTA-aligned measures—were sufficient.

“We checked every box for the SGLG, which already covers ARTA-related reforms,” Diaz said, adding, “The separate ARTA certification requirement caught us off guard, and we’re appealing for a waiver to ensure our employees are justly rewarded for their hard work.”

To avoid delays, the province’s Finance Cluster convened an emergency meeting Tuesday to prepare a supplemental budget for the 50% payout, which will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 6.

The bonus package, estimated to cost tens of millions of pesos, will benefit employees across all provincial departments, including health and public works.

Diaz said waiting for the DILG’s appeal resolution, expected in early 2026, would unfairly delay compensation that employees rely on for year-end expenses, tuition fees, and medical bills.

Local employee groups welcomed the move but urged swift action on the appeal for the remaining 15%.

The Negros Occidental Provincial Employees Association (NOPEA) said the differential could mean an extra PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 for lower-paid casual staff.

“Many of our members rely on these bonuses to meet essential costs,” a NOPEA spokesperson said.

“We appreciate the provincial government’s quick action, but we hope the DILG recognizes our strong record in good governance.”

Diaz said the province has submitted documentation showing ARTA compliance, including a 30% reduction in business permit processing times in 2023.

The DILG Negros Island Region office acknowledged receipt of the appeal but has not provided a timeline for a decision.