Gov’t workers to get year-end bonus, P5k cash gift with 1st November pay

MANILA, Philippines — Government workers should receive their year-end bonus and P5,000 cash gift together with their first salary this November, with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reminding agencies to release the benefits on schedule.

In a statement on Saturday, the DBM said it had already released the P82.998 billion needed to cover the year-end benefits of qualified civilian and military and uniformed personnel, and directed agencies not to delay payment through a separate or later payroll.

Under DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-3, qualified government personnel are entitled to a year-end bonus equivalent to one month’s basic salary as of Oct. 31, 2026, plus a P5,000 cash gift.

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According to Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, the funds had already been released to concerned agencies, which should ensure that employees receive the benefits with their first November salary.

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“We know that this will be a big help to our employees and their families, especially with Christmas approaching,” De Leon said.

“More importantly, this is our way of recognizing and thanking our government workers for their hard work, dedication, and continued service to the Filipino people,” he added.

READ: DBM streamlines release of pay, benefits for gov’t workers

The DBM reiterated that the timely release of these benefits is an obligation under existing government compensation policies and urged concerned agencies to comply with the prescribed payment schedule.

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Of the total allocation, P73.449 billion is intended for year-end bonuses, while P9.549 billion covers the cash gifts.

To qualify for the full benefits, government personnel must have rendered at least four months or 120 days of aggregate service from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2026, and must still be in government service as of Oct. 31.

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READ: 13th-month pay, year-end bonus: What employees can expect

The eligibility requirements cover employees holding regular, contractual or casual positions in national and local government, including those who took authorized leaves of absence with pay.

The DBM clarified that the appropriations for the benefits had been fully released to concerned agencies at the beginning of the 2026 fiscal year.

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However, the actual payment date depends on each agency’s payroll schedule, provided that both benefits are paid simultaneously with the first November salary. /ms