Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said that because of the calamity situation, Malacañang has issued a directive allowing the early release of the yearend bonus of government employees instead of on November 15, which was the practice in the past.

“The city has money ready for this. So we can give the benefits to our employees anytime,” he said, reacting to allegations of his critics.

However, Leonardia said they will consult with the employees first since there may be some who may want it released in December so they could have something to spend for Christmas.

He said the city government has available funds and they could give all the employees their bonuses if they want it released now.

Meanwhile, Leonardia said that as far as their campaign for donations for the victims of Ondoy, the response was overwhelming.

This shows that the people of Bacolod have concern and want to help the typhoon victims, he said.

Leonardia said “The holding of the MassKara Festival does not mean we are not considering the typhoon victims.”

He said the MassKara Festival started at a time when there was also a tragedy and crisis because of the sinking of the M/V Don Juan that affected so many families in Negros . It was, in fact, initiated so the people could be distracted from their grief, he added.

Leonardia also said that City Disaster Coordinating Council action officer Jomari Vargas has informed him that, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council, Bacolod City was the first local government to respond after the devastation of Ondoy.

Now it is second to Cebu in terms of relief assistance on record, he said.

“We give the credit to our people because, after all, MassKara Festival is the people's festival. Although we sympathize with the victims, life should go on, and that is why we still continue with the MassKara celebration,” Leonardia said.*CGS

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