Upon the directives of Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, the City Government has released ₱42.6 million worth of long-delayed benefits to 92 retired city employees.
During the City Government’s flag-raising ceremony, Domagoso said the payout fulfills a commitment to clear long-delayed obligations despite the city’s tight fiscal position.
The mayor noted that the release covers retirees with service records ranging from nearly two decades to more than four decades.
“I will give what is due to you,” he stressed.
The payout includes varying benefit amounts based on years of service and accrued entitlements, with some retirees receiving over ₱2 million.
The checks were readied by the City Treasurer’s Office and released the same day.
Domagoso acknowledged that several retirees had waited years for their benefits, saying the delay eroded trust in government and dampened morale among city workers.
He said the administration moved to process the claims as part of a broader effort to restore order in the city’s finances.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa paglilingkod sa kapwa.”
“Sa inyong lahat na nasa harapan namin, na kapwa naming naglingkod sa bayan: Maraming, maraming salamat sa paglilingkod sa kapwa,” Domagoso stressed.
He also cited the case of the longest-serving retiree recognized during the ceremony—Roman Bandin of the City General Services Office—who logged 44 years and nine months of service before retiring in February 2024, calling the milestone a reminder of the sacrifices made by rank-and-file workers.
Domagoso said the payout was made even as the city continues to confront legacy obligations and ongoing budget pressures, adding that the administration is sequencing payments to avoid creating new arrears while gradually settling old ones.
“Kahit na tayo’y gipit na gipit, pipilitin kong iraos ang ating lungsod, partikular ang ating mamamayan.”
“Kahit na tayo’y gipit na gipit, pipilitin kong iraos ang ating lungsod, partikular ang ating mamamayan,” he said.
Domagoso also appealed to city employees to sustain professionalism in dealing with taxpayers, stressing that fiscal recovery depends not only on collections but also on service quality and public trust.
“Unawain natin ang ating mga taxpayer. Give them special attention. Make them feel that worth every penny ang binibigay nila,” he concluded.
