Government employees are set to receive their year-end bonuses and cash gifts earlier than usual, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said she signed DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-3 on Oct. 22, outlining the new guidelines for the timely payment and distribution of these benefits.
Under the new circular, government workers will receive their one-month basic salary as a year-end bonus and a P5,000 cash gift.
Pangandaman said these benefits will be included in the first agency payroll for the month of November.
“Gusto natin siguraduhin na matatanggap nila ang bonus nila on time, para masaya ang Pasko at mas pagbutihin pa nila ang kanilang serbisyo," Pangandaman said.
[We want to make sure that they receive their bonuses on time, so that Christmas will be joyful, and they can further improve their service.]
The new policy applies to all national government agencies, including constitutional offices, state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and local government units (LGUs).
The DBM has instructed government agencies to make necessary adjustments in their payroll systems to facilitate the timely release of the benefits.
She said this move is part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve government efficiency, transparency, and employee welfare.
As clarified in the statement, the new circular is effective immediately and replaces any earlier regulations that conflict with its guidelines. (Derco Rosal)