On-duty gov't workers to receive daily hazard pay during quarantine

Government employees -- regular, contractual, or casual positions --  who continue to physically report for work amid the enhanced community quarantine will receive a daily hazard pay of as much as P500, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said Sunday.

According to Go, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Administrative Order as requested by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). A copy of the order will be released Monday morning, March 23.

Under the AO, national government agencies -- including state universities and colleges (SUCs), as well as government-owned and -controlled (GOCCs) -- are authorized to grant a hazard pay not exceeding P500 per day to personnel who occupy regular, contractual, or casual positions in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other local government units. Personnel engaged through contract of service, job order, or similar schemes are also qualified.

Go noted, however, that the government worker must have been "authorized to physically report for work at their respective offices on the prescribed official working hours" by the head of the agency or office where they belong.

Those who are already entitled to hazard pay -- such as public health workers, public social workers, science and technology personnel, and military and uniformed personnel -- will continue to be entitled to such benefits or the COVID-19 Hazard Pay, whichever is higher.

The hazard pay for employees of national government agencies (NGAs) including SUCs will be charged against their own funds without the need for prior authorization from the DBM.

Meanwhile, those for GOCCS will be charged against their budget and, should their funds be insufficient, they may grant a lower but uniform rate for all qualified personnel.

Employees of local government units (LGUs) and local water districts, Go said, may also be entitled to the hazard pay but likewise, the amount may be at a lower but uniform rate in case of insufficient funds.

"Hindi natin mapipilit kung hindi kaya ng pondo na makaabot ng P500 ang hazard pay. Pero sana magawan ng paraan at maibigay sa lalong madaling panahon," said Go.

Hazard pay may also be granted to employees of offices with fiscal autonomy such as the Senate, House of Representatives, the Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and other constitutional offices vested.

"Let us do what we can to support our government frontliners and other workers on duty. These personnel, who risk their lives during this time, deserve to be recognized and be given proper compensation. They continue to work to protect our families. Let’s do our part to protect theirs," said Go.

"Imbes na uunahin nila ang kapakanan nila at ng kanilang pamilya, ninais ng mga personnel na ito na patuloy na magtrabaho para gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin at upang hindi maputol ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan. Granting them hazard pay is the least that we can do for them," he added. — DVM, GMA News