President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has authorized a one-time gratuity pay increase for government workers under job contract (JO) and contract of service (COS), raising the maximum amount from ₱5,000 to ₱7,000.
Coverage and Qualifications
Administrative Order No. 28 provides the gratuity pay to qualified JO and COS workers in national government agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local water districts (LWDs).
Eligible workers must meet the following criteria:
- Rendered at least four months of satisfactory service as of December 15, 2024, with active contracts.
- Workers with less than four months of service will receive adjusted amounts:
- ₱6,000 for three to four months.
- ₱5,000 for two to three months.
- ₱4,000 for less than two months.
Support from DBM
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman praised the increase, marking the first adjustment since 2021. “This is a significant development, especially during the Christmas season and after a year of multiple calamities,” Pangandaman stated.
The AO also authorizes local government units to provide gratuity pay using surplus or allocated 2024 appropriations, pending local legislative approval.
Acknowledging Workers’ Contributions
Pangandaman emphasized the critical role of JO and COS workers: “Their contributions to public service are invaluable. We want to ensure they are not empty-handed this Christmas and New Year.”