After more than two decades, 145 former Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) employees have received their retirement pay.
In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, the retirement pay was disbursed, marking the end of a lengthy wait for these retirees.
According to the PCO, at least 25 retirees passed away before enjoying the fruits of their labor. It took 22 years and 28 management teams before the payment was made during the Marcos administration.
IBC-13, a part of the media division of the PCO under the leadership of Secretary Cheloy Garafil, is aligned with state-owned media organizations like Peoples Television Network and the Presidential Broadcast Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services.
During the recent awarding ceremony, Garafil emphasized that addressing the welfare of media workers is a cornerstone of President Marcos’s administration and the PCO.
She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the long-awaited resolution of the IBC retirees’ claims.
According to PCO, approximately P500 million were given to the retirees.
Jimmie Policarpio, President and CEO of IBC-13, expressed appreciation for the positive impact this development has had on around 200 families.
“With spirits of thanksgiving, they can now look forward to enjoying their waning years with dignity and pride in having served God, country and people,” the IBC-13 management said.
Key figures like Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Koko Pimentel, Jinggoy Estrada, and JV Ejercito were acknowledged for sponsoring the bill.
Recognition was also given to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the Governance Council for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG), chaired by Atty. Marius Corpus, for their contributions.