National government personnel, whether or not affected by typhoon Ondoy, may opt to get the balance of their Year-End Benefits (YEB) earlier than the authorized date of release (November 15). The first half of the said bonus was already released to government workers last May 2009.

The advance payment of YEB is in line with the directive of President Arroyo to give in advance the remaining half of the employee’s year-end bonus to “provide financial assistance and help alleviate the plight of calamity-stricken government personnel.”

Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya Jr. said in a news conference that the early receipt of the YEB is purely voluntary/optional. The release will be made upon request of the personnel concerned. It will not be imposed on all government employees as some workers would prefer to receive their YEB on November 15 in time for the Christmas season.

Under the guidelines (Budget Circular No. 2009-4) issued by the Department of Budget and Management for the purpose, national government employees who opt to get the remaining half of their YEB/cash gift must comply with all the requirements prescribed under Budget Circular 2005-6 such as rendition of at least a total of four (4) months of service including leaves of absence with pay from January 1 to October 31 of a particular year. They must also remain in government service until October 31, 2009.

Those who would not be able to complete the four-months service requirement as of October 31, 2009 and would be unable to comply with the other conditions provided under BC No. 2005-6 may also request their agency for the advance payment of their Cash Gift but on a pro-rated basis based on their length of service.

Funding for the early payment of government employees’ year-end benefits is assured because the DBM has released in full the allotment for Personal Services (PS) inclusive of the requirements for year-end bonus and cash gift for filled positions as early as end of March.

Andaya added that “GOCCs, GFIs and LGUs are encouraged to adopt and implement the advance payment of the year-end benefits chargeable  against their respective funds for the purpose.”

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