FL
I think that you might find be a simpler answer to the failure of the Command candidates. But, I agree the timing is very suspect.
LG
This would have been due to you as four weeks (13th month) pay in any case.
Looking the gift horse in the mouth, one might say that it an interesting slight of hand (or packaging as they call it). They give a bonus in lieu of the 13th month pay. They get the credit for giving back your SLS donation.