Senate bill to require 13th month pay for non-permanent gov’t workers

A BILL requiring a 13th month pay for contractual and job order workers in government agencies has been filed at the Senate.  

“In light of the persistent rise in the inflation rate, which led to an extraordinary increase in prices of food, fuel, and other commodities, Filipino workers, including contractual and job order personnel of the government face greater hardships in their lives,” Senator Mark A. Villar said in the explanatory note of Senate Bill 1528.   

“Contractual and job order personnel lack security of tenure,” he added, “they are not entitled to mid-year and year-end bonuses, such as the 13th-month pay, among other benefits.”  

Under the proposed bill, all government workers, regardless of employment status, will be entitled to 13th-month pay every year.  

The proposed measure mandates that the minimum amount to be given should be at least half of the worker’s monthly salary. 

“Passing such a proposal should be a priority while there is still time left,” Mr. Villar said. “This is our way of recognizing their notable contribution and their service to the government.”  

The senator said 642,000 non-permanent workers in the public sector will benefit should the bill be passed into law. 

The measure is in line with the issuance of the Commission on Audit and the Department of Budget and Management extending the services of contractual and job order workers until the end of 2024. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan