By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental provincial government has yet to finalize the exact amount of the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for employees.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed yesterday that Capitol employees will receive their annual benefits, but the PBB is still in limbo.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for bonus distribution.

Lacson assured that the provincial government has enough funds to release standard bonuses and PBB once the DBM provides the necessary guidelines.

The PBB is tied to Negros Occidental’s achievement of the Seal of Good Local Governance in 2022 and 2023, from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Lacson also emphasized the importance of avoiding the complications in the past, where bonuses and incentives provided to Capitol employees were ordered to be returned by the Commission on Audit (COA) for lacking proper legal basis.

The COA declared the additional year-end bonuses granted by the Capitol in 2015 and 2016 as illegal, ordering their return.

Although the provincial government filed appeals, most of the requests were denied.

The governor expressed his concern about additional financial burdens on employees, particularly those who are approaching retirement.

“We are carefully considering all aspects to ensure everything is done properly and legally,” he said./JB, WDJ