Marcos OK’s higher gratuity pay for contractual gov't workers

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the increase in gratuity pay for contractual government workers.

The raise was under Administrative Order 28 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, Dec. 19, and publicized Friday.

The order states that those with at least four months of actual satisfactory service as of Dec. 15, and whose contracts remain effective as of the same date, may be granted a one-time gratuity pay not exceeding P7,000.

The amount was P5,000 in previous years.

Other workers in national government agencies with shorter length of service are also entitled for a gratuity pay:

+ Three months but less than four months - not exceeding P6,000

+ Two months but less than three months - not exceeding P5,000

+ Less than two months - not exceeding P4,000

Marcos also encouraged local government units to grant gratuity pay to their contractual workers and those with job order status.

“Granting a year-end gratuity pay to COS (contract of service) and JO (job order) workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various PAPs (programs, activities and projects) of the government, and their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-economic challenges,” the chief executive said.

The payment shall be made not earlier than Dec. 15, the order read.

Malacañang said the last increase in the gratuity pay rate was in 2021, when the Duterte administration raised the amount to P5,000 from P3,000.