Gov't releases ₱73-billion mid-year bonus for 1.9 million workers
The national government began the disbursement of ₱73.456 billion in mid-year bonuses to more than 1.9 million state employees on Friday, May 15, seeking to shore up support for the civil service amid broader efforts to streamline operations.
In a statement, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed that the payout, which starts May 15, covers civilian, military, and uniformed personnel across various national agencies. Under the current fiscal framework, the bonus is equivalent to one month of basic salary. The release follows a directive from President Marcos to ensure that the financial incentives reach front-line workers—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and security forces—without administrative delays.
Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo stated that the funds were comprehensively released to agencies at the start of the fiscal year, shifting the responsibility for the actual bank transfers to individual departments.
Toledo said that the timely distribution is a recognition of the “sacrifice and dedication” of the bureaucracy.
He noted that the early processing of these funds is a priority under the Marcos leadership to ensure that those behind the daily operations of the government are adequately compensated for their service to the public.
Eligibility for the windfall is governed by strict administrative guidelines. Under DBM Budget Circular No. 2017-2, personnel must have rendered at least four months of service between July 1 of the previous year and May 15 of the current year.
Recipients must also remain in active service as of today and have secured at least a “satisfactory” performance rating during the most recent appraisal period. These requirements apply to regular, contractual, and casual positions within the national government, including those on approved leave with pay.
While the national government has already greenlit the funds for its departments, the rollout for local government units (LGUs) remains subject to regional fiscal autonomy.
Provinces, cities, and municipalities may grant the mid-year bonus provided their respective local councils, or Sanggunian, approve the allocations. These local disbursements must still adhere to the same service and performance criteria established by the DBM to ensure uniformity across the public sector. (Derco Rosal)