Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed President Duterte’s signing of an administrative order granting a one-time gratuity pay to all contract of service and job order workers in the government in recognition of their important role in the delivery of public service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crisis facing the country.

Duterte, on Wednesday, December 29, issued Administrative Order No. 46 which covers all COS and JO workers employed in national government agencies, including state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), as well as local water districts.

The AO also encourages local government units (LGUs) to provide gratuity pay to their eligible employees.

“Allow me to thank each and every government worker from the highest posts to the lowest ranks,” Go said in a statement.

“Our civil servants, individuals who dedicate their lives to the service of the Filipino people, must be given an opportunity to pursue a career in the service which allows them to enjoy competitive wages so they can address their personal needs and that of their families,” the senator said .

Under the AO, COS and JO workers are entitled to a maximum of P5,000 each, provided they have rendered at least four months of service as of December 15, 2021.

Those employed for less than four months may still receive the gratuity pay on a pro rata basis.

Workers who have rendered at least three (3) months of service are entitled to a maximum of P4,000, while those with at least two (2) months or less of service may receive up to P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

The funds to implement the AO will be sourced from the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) allotments of the national government agencies and SUCs, corporate operating budgets of the GOCCs and LWDs, and local government funds.