Early Christmas for Manila gov’t employees

City government employees in Manila will receive their regular salary, 13th-month year-end bonus, and a P5,000 cash gift simultaneously on 13 November, Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced Monday.

Domagoso shared the news during the weekly flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall, stating the early payout is intended to support municipal workers ahead of the upcoming four-day holiday declared by Malacañang from 16 to 18 November.

"I am pleased to inform you that there is a salary on Friday! And there is a 13th month! And the P5,000 bonus! You will get them early and all at once," Domagoso said.

The local government of Manila allocated P817.3 million for the 2026 year-end benefits package, consisting of P762.5 million for the 13th-month bonus and P54.8 million for the cash gifts.

Domagoso assured non-regular employees, including Contract of Service and Job Order workers, that they would also receive seasonal assistance.

In addition to municipal employee benefits, Domagoso announced that the city is preparing holiday food packs for distribution to Manila’s 700,000 families, as well as separate provisions for senior citizens across the capital.

"My dream every year since I became mayor is that all 700,000 families in the City of Manila will receive something so they have food on their tables come Christmas," Domagoso said.

Closing his address, the mayor lightheartedly advised city employees to budget their funds wisely.

"It’s coming very early, so by the time Christmas arrives, it might all be gone," Domagoso joked, encouraging workers to save a portion of their earnings for the holidays.