MMDA employees still waiting for P5T cash gift

Employees of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are still waiting for the release of the P5,000 cash gift President Arroyo pledged to government workers on Christmas.

"P1,500 lang manggagaling sa MMDA, hindi pa maibigay. ‘Pag sa iba gastos bilis sila maglabas ng pera (Only P1,500 will come from the MMDA and yet they can’t even give it. For other things, they can immediately release funds)," an MMDA employee, requesting anonymity, told The STAR.

The MMDA has implemented projects such as the construction of pedestrian footbridges, men’s urinals, waiting sheds, and bus terminals for its Organized EDSA Bus Route (OBR) program this year.

The delay in the release of the cash gift was also brought up on MMDA’s radio show on DzBB yesterday. Anchor Orly Trinidad told MMDA officials led by Chairman Bayani Fernando that some employees have aired to him their complaints.

But Fernando said the cash gift would be released today and explained that the management was only able to get the money from Malacañang last Dec. 29. The clearing of the cheque from the Palace also took some time, Fernando said.

Of the P5,000 cash gift, P3,500 came from Malacañang and the remaining P1,500 is shouldered by the agency.

Fernando told The STAR that the MMDA had to scour money for its projects.

"It took us some time to find the P100 million needed for the construction of the overpasses and it came from the funding released by the President. We had to look for P30 million for the cash gift. It’s not that easy," he explained.

Fernando also reminded the MMDA’s 5,000 employees to work harder when they receive the bonus.

"The government is not under obligation to give you that but it’s an incentive for you to work harder," Fernando said.

This could be Fernando’s last day at the helm of the MMDA as today is the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy for the May elections. Fernando has openly expressed his interest in running for vice president in the coming elections.

But if ever he does leave the agency, Fernando said he would like MMDA employees to remember to stand up for themselves and their rights.

"Talk to management. We are all equals at work. There’s no class distinction at work. There could be privilege in rank but the respect for all is the same," he told The STAR.