Marina execs, employees told to return P5.4 M in illegal bonuses

More than P5.41 million in illegal bonuses and other financial perks are being sought to be refunded from officials and employees of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

The Commission on Audit ( COA) said they were granted the additional allowances, including so- called milestone accomplishment rewards, and/ or anniversary bonuses amounting to P4.760 million during Marina’s 40th anniversary celebration last year.

Service and/ or loyalty awards amounting to P425,000 for employees who have reached 25 years of service and rice allowance in the total amount of P225,000 were also illegally granted last year, state auditors said in a 2014 report released yesterday.

“We recommended that management require the concerned officers and employees of Marina Central Office, Regions IV and V to refund the additional personnel benefits granted without legal basis,” state auditors said.

Based on verification and examination of Marina’s 2014 expenses, the COA disclosed that in addition to the allowed P3,000 anniversary bonus, the Marina Central Office and in Calabarzon granted an additional P20,000 per employee in celebration of its 40th anniversary on June 1, 2014.

Last year, the Marina Central Office paid an additional P25,000 to 17 employees who have reached 25 years of service, which was on top of the allowed P5,000 loyalty cash award, state auditors said.

“This additional benefit is not in consonance with existing regulations,” they said,

The grant of rice allowance to Marina employees in Bicol at P2,500 each falls in the same category, as it was given on top of the 2014 collective negotiation agreement incentive of P25,000 to each of them, state auditors said.