Published on: 04/04/2011
United through their national federation, employees of water districts in the Philippines raised their voice against the seizure of surplus benefits by their direct superiors. Whereas most of the employees are still waiting for last year’s annual rice allowances, members of numerous directory boards have granted themselves up to $1500 of bonuses. Early 2011 the government issued an “Executive Order” to limit such excessive bonuses. Yet, the same document is abused by board members to continue these practices under the clause of “separate rules”. Rodrigo Aranjuez, president of the national federation of water employees, links the protest to the continuous fight against water privatization in the Philippines. He claims that privatization increases the corrupt use of money meant to provide employee salaries and improve water services. “Water is considered a basic human right, as such, the government has the responsibility to ensure this service.”
Source: Bulatlat.com, 25 March 2011
