President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved an increase in gratuity pay for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in the government, raising the amount up to PhP7,000.

The increase will take effect not earlier than December 15.

In a four-page Administrative Order 28 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, President Marcos said JOs and COS employees who have rendered a total or aggregate of at least four months of actual satisfactory service performance as of December 15 are entitled to the gratuity pay from PhP5,000 to PhP7,000.

“Granting a year-end gratuity pay to COS and JO workers is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various PAPs of the government, and their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-economic challenges,” President Marcos said.

PAPs refers to programs, activities and projects.

Workers whose contracts remain effective as of the same date are also eligible to receive the gratuity pay.

In 2021, President Marcos also increased the gratuity pay for COS and JO workers, raising it from PhP3,000 to PhP5,000.

Employees who rendered less than four months of satisfactory service as of December 15 may still receive the FY 2024 Gratuity Pay on a pro-rata basis.

COS/JO workers with three months, but less than four months of service may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP6,000 while those with two months, but less than three months of service may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP5,000.

Workers with less than two months may receive gratuity pay not exceeding PhP4,000.

AO 28 will take effect immediately following its complete publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation. | PND