Photo credit: PCO

Good news for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in the government: President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has officially approved an increase in their year-end gratuity pay!

Under Administrative Order (AO) No. 28, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, eligible workers can now receive up to PhP7,000—a bump from the previous PhP5,000. This increase takes effect not earlier than December 15.

Who’s Eligible?

If you’re a COS or JO worker and have served for at least four months of satisfactory performance as of December 15, you’re entitled to the full PhP7,000.

If your service falls short of four months, don’t worry—you’ll still get something on a pro-rata basis:

• 3 months but less than 4 months: up to PhP6,000

• 2 months but less than 3 months: up to PhP5,000

• Less than 2 months: up to PhP4,000

The AO applies to workers whose contracts remain valid as of December 15.

Why the Increase?

President Marcos highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of COS and JO workers, who play a vital role in implementing government programs, activities, and projects (PAPs).

“Granting a year-end gratuity pay… is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and valuable participation... amidst the present socio-economic challenges,” Marcos said in the AO.

A Quick History

This is the first increase in gratuity pay since 2021, when the rate was bumped up from PhP3,000 to PhP5,000.

When Will It Be Official?

AO No. 28 will take effect immediately after it’s published in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

For government COS and JO workers, this is definitely a year-end bonus worth celebrating—a much-needed boost for the hard work put in throughout the year.