Labella cancels Christmas party

CEBU, Philippines —  Instead of having a Christmas party, the P5 million budget for such celebration for Cebu City Hall employees will have to be diverted to purchase goods as "gifts" to sectors greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have decided that there will be no Christmas party as a gesture of sympathy in these difficult trying times,” said Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Aside from thinking of the safety of each employee in mass gatherings, Labella said there are a lot of affected sectors in Cebu City that need help.

These include the traditional jeepneys drivers, ambulant vendors and other workers who lost their jobs because of the pandemic or are on a no work-no pay scheme.

Labella said the P5 million will be spent for the purchase of rice and canned goods.

Meanwhile, Labella is also thinking of whether or not to give Christmas bonus to employees when they still get their 13th month pay as mandated by law.

“Considering the pandemic, I really have to think it over,” said Labella.

“Giving additional, I hope the City Hall people will understand that there are less privileged members of the community, with no work, no pay, that have not received anything,” added Labella. — GMR (FREEMAN)