The bill granting night shift differential pay to government employees, including those working in government owned and controlled corporations or GOCCs, has been approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives on Monday, August 2.

With 225 affirmative votes and no negative votes, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 9458 in recognition of the dedication and loyal service accorded by government personnel.

The bill primarily provides night shift differential for state workers, including those in GOCCs with Salary Grade 1 to 24.

The same differential is given at a rate not exceeding 20 percent of the hourly basic rate of the employee for each hour of work performed.

Excluded in this provision are military and uniformed personnel as may be determined by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Other government employees who would not be covered by the proposed Act, include public health workers who are already covered by Republic Act No. 7305, or the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.

Also excluded are state employees whose schedule of office hours fall between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the evening. However, services rendered beyond their 8-hour daily work schedule will be paid overtime (OT) pay.

Funds to be used for the differential rates of those working in national government entities would be charged to the existing appropriation of departments, bureaus, offices and agencies concerned.

While for local government units (LGUs), the amount would be charged against their respective funds; for GOCCs and their subsidiaries, the amount will come from their respective corporate funds.