MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 28, series of 2024, on December 19, 2024, authorizing the grant of a one-time gratuity pay to Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in the government for the fiscal year 2024.

The initiative aims to recognize the vital contributions of COS and JO personnel to government programs, activities, and projects (PAPs), especially amid ongoing socio-economic challenges. COS and JO workers often render services equivalent to regular personnel but do not enjoy benefits such as mid-year bonuses or performance-based incentives.

Key Provisions of Administrative Order No. 28:

1. Eligibility for Gratuity Pay:

• Workers who rendered at least four (4) months of satisfactory service as of December 15, 2024, will receive up to PHP 7,000.

• Those with less than four (4) months of service may still qualify for a prorated amount:

• 3 to 4 months: Not exceeding PHP 6,000

• 2 to 3 months: Not exceeding PHP 5,000

• Less than 2 months: Not exceeding PHP 4,000

2. Funding Sources:

• National Government Agencies (NGAs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and Local Water Districts (LWDs) will charge gratuity pay from their respective Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) or corporate funds.

3. Local Government Units (LGUs):

• LGUs are encouraged to implement similar gratuity pay schemes using local funds.

4. Payment Schedule:

• Gratuity pay shall be distributed no earlier than December 15, 2024.

5. Effectivity:

• The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

This measure follows similar orders issued in previous fiscal years and highlights the administration’s recognition of the critical role of COS and JO personnel in delivering essential public services.

The full document is available for public access on the Official Gazette website.