The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has officially announced that qualified government employees across the country will begin receiving their mid-year bonus starting Thursday.
This bonus is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide incentives and recognize the dedicated service of public servants.
Overview of the Midyear Bonus
The midyear bonus is equal to one month of an employee’s basic salary and is a mandatory benefit under DBM Budget Circular No. 2017-2.
It is part of the regular compensation package provided to government personnel. This initiative aims to reward employees for their hard work and dedication in public service.
Eligibility Criteria for Receiving the Bonus
To qualify for the mid-year bonus, government employees must meet the following conditions:
- Service Requirement: Employees must have served for at least four months between July 1 of the previous year and May 15 of the current year.
- Ongoing Service: They must still be actively employed in government service as of May 15.
- Performance Rating: A satisfactory performance rating in the most recent performance evaluation is required.
Part-time employees will receive the bonus based on the pro-rata calculation, reflecting the actual services rendered during the period.
Special Cases: Transfers and Pending Cases
- Transfers Between Agencies: Employees who have transferred to a new government agency will receive the bonus from their current office.
- Detailed Personnel: Those detailed to other government agencies will be paid by their parent agency.
- Pending Cases: Employees with pending administrative or criminal cases are still eligible to receive the bonus, unless they are found guilty by a final and executory judgment. In such cases, they will be required to return the bonus, except in cases where the penalty is only a reprimand.
Scope of the Midyear Bonus
The midyear bonus covers all civilian personnel, including regular, casual, and contractual employees, whether appointive or elective. This includes workers in:
- The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches
- Constitutional Commissions and Offices
- State Universities and Colleges
- Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations
Additionally, the incentive extends to uniformed personnel.
Local Government Units: Special Considerations
For local government unit (LGU) employees, the midyear bonus will be dependent on the decision of their respective sanggunian (local councils) and the availability of funds. This is in compliance with the Local Government Code and DBM Circular No. 2017-2.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Bonus Distribution
As part of the midyear bonus distribution, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already disbursed the bonus to approximately 230,925 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. PNP Chief Gen.
Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized that the bonus is a token of appreciation for the dedication and commitment of their personnel. The bonus also aims to boost the morale of officers and enhance their continued commitment to public service.
The midyear bonus is an important incentive for government employees, serving both as a recognition of their dedication to public service and as a means of supporting their financial well-being. With clear eligibility criteria and provisions for various circumstances, this benefit is an essential part of the government’s compensation package for its personnel.
The Philippines’ commitment to recognizing the hard work of its public servants is exemplified through initiatives like this bonus, which aims to maintain high morale among government workers, particularly in sectors like the PNP and local government units.
FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the mid-year bonus?
Government employees who have served for at least four months between July 1 of the previous year and May 15 of the current year, are still in service as of May 15, and have received a satisfactory performance rating,g are eligible for the midyear bonus.
How is the bonus calculated for part-time employees?
Part-time employees will receive the bonus on a pro-rata basis, meaning the amount will be adjusted based on the actual number of months worked.
What happens if an employee is found guilty of a pending case?
Employees with pending administrative or criminal cases are still entitled to the bonus, but if found guilty by final judgment, they must return the bonus, unless the penalty is limited to a reprimand.