The Davao City Council is expediting the approval of a P187.324-million supplemental budget to ensure job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers receive their gratuity pay before the year ends. During a special session on December 19, 2025, the council approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing Fiscal Year 2025 Supplemental Budget No. 3, covering the general fund and economic enterprises.
Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, finance committee chair, explained that the ordinance was filed on December 19 after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued Budget Circular No. 2025-4 on December 16, outlining guidelines for gratuity pay. The measure is expected to pass on second reading in another special session on December 22.
Under the DBM circular, COS and JO workers who have served at least four months with satisfactory performance and active contracts as of December 15 will receive P7,000. Those with shorter service periods will get pro-rated amounts: P6,000 for three to four months, P5,000 for two to three months, and P4,000 for less than two months.
The gratuity pay recognizes the workers’ contributions to government programs and services amid socio-economic challenges. The exact number of beneficiaries in Davao City will be determined in the upcoming session. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
