PNB retirees fight for pension and benefits

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY-- Retirees of Philippine National Bank (PNB) branches in Baguio and Benguet demanded they be given benefits and compensation for their years of service just like other government employees in the country.
    In a peaceful mobilization Nov. 7, the group of PNB retirees converged on main streets of this summer capital saying they were participating in national day of action.
    They said the peaceful assembly joined by all retirees of all PNB branches in the country against what they said was unfair treatment they received in return for years they rendered to the bank.
    According to retirees, the PNB was employing delaying tactics in their supposed compliance to the decision of the Courts on the payment of the employees' Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and Special Amelioration Allowance (SAA).
    The group also complained of illegal deductions of Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) gratuity pay from their separation or retirement pay.
    They said the PNB paid separation or retirement pay based on their basic salaries before and after the privatization of PNB instead of last basic salaries.
    They assailed dissolution of their employees’ provident fund.
    The retirees said GSIS should pay retirement benefits and pension based on total years of government service.
    They also sought legislation granting them lifetime pension as former employees who they disclosed were forced to received gratuity pay arising from PNB's privatization.
    "Instead of a one-time gratuity from their 20 years of government service, PNB employees who received gratuity pay from PNB's privatization should be granted lifetime pension just like government employees who are receiving monthly pension after rendering at least 15 years of service," the former employees said.
    The group started walking from the top of Session Road down to Malcolm Square where they explained to the public why they held protest mobilization.