(File photo)
MANILA – The holiday season just got merrier for qualified state workers as they would get a one-time service recognition incentive (SRI) under a new administrative order signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Administrative Order (AO) 37, signed by Duterte on December 18, is in line with the implementation of Joint Resolution 4 inked on June 17, 2009, which allows the release of incentives as rewards for a government employee's loyalty and exceptional financial and operational performance.
“Government employees deserve to be rewarded for their collective and unceasing participation in and invaluable contribution to the administration’s continuing efforts toward the establishment of streamlined government processes and more responsive delivery of public services, especially in the midst of the public health emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” it stated.
The order provides that a one-time SRI worth PHP10,000 would be given to personnel in national government agencies, including those in state universities and colleges and government-owned or -controlled corporations, occupying regular, contractual, or casual positions.
Military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority will also receive the SRI.
"The payment of the SRI to all qualified government employees shall not be earlier than 21 December 2020," the order read.
AO 37 also grants the SRI to civilian personnel still in government service as of Nov. 30, 2020.
Government workers who have rendered at least four months of satisfactory service as of Nov. 30, 2020, inclusive of services rendered under any of the alternative work arrangements prescribed by the Civil Service Commission, will also be granted the SRI.
Employees who have rendered less than four months will be entitled to a 40-percent pro-rated share of the SRI, while those who have been working in the government in less than three months will get a 30-percent pro-rated share of the incentive.
Those who are hired in the government for less than two months and one month will take home 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of the pro-rated share of the cash bonus.
The SRI will also be granted to employees who have not received any additional yearend benefit in fiscal year 2020 over and above the benefit authorized under Republic Act 8441.
AO 37 excludes consultants and experts engaged for a limited period to perform specific activities or services with expected outputs; laborers engaged through job contracts and those paid on a piecework basis; student workers and apprentices; and individuals and groups of people whose services are engaged through job orders, contracts of service or other similar work schemes.
Funding of the SRI for employees in the executive department will be sourced from national government agencies’ Personnel Services (PS) allotments of respective agencies.
Employees in the Senate, House of Representatives, Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and Constitutional Offices vested with fiscal autonomy may likewise be granted a one-tine SRI by their respective heads of offices not exceeding PHP10,000 each.
Local government employees may also be granted a one-time SRI as determined by their respective “sanggunian” (city or municipal council) depending on their financial capability.
“In determining the amount of the SRI, the sanggunians shall exercise prudence and judicious use of government funds, ensuring that the expenditure is reasonable and will not, in any way, adversely affect the delivery of services to the public,” the order read.
The one-time SRI of PHP10,000 may also be granted to employees of local water districts at rates to be determined by their board of directors.
AO 37 directs the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to issue supplemental guidelines to effectively implement the order.
The DBM earlier recommended updating the policies on and levels of incentives applicable to all government personnel through the grant of a one-time incentive to recognize and further encourage the unwavering commitment and dedication of government employees in the performance of their work.
The order takes effect immediately following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)
