SBMA approves ancillary benefits for COS, JO workers

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Board of Directors has approved the grant of ancillary benefits to contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) employees of the agency.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the grant was approved through Board Resolution No. 26-01-1655, issued on 28 January 2026. The resolution authorizes the agency to provide ancillary benefits to COS and JO workers, including compensatory time off, flexible working arrangements, reimbursement of authorized official travel expenses, and wellness leave.

Aliño said the benefits aim to help COS and JO employees effectively fulfill their contractual obligations, particularly in cases where service exigencies require extended work hours, mobility beyond official stations, and uninterrupted SBMA operations.

The board resolution is in line with Joint Circular No. 1, Series of 2025, issued by the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, and the Department of Budget and Management.

Under the CSC-COA-DBM joint circular, COS and JO workers in government are entitled to ancillary benefits for 2025, including overtime pay, reimbursement for official local travel, and a possible 20 percent premium on daily pay, subject to fund availability and contract provisions.

The circular also allows the grant of a year-end gratuity pay of up to P7,000 for 2024, depending on the length of service.

These benefits generally apply to national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or controlled corporations, subject to the availability of funds.

Flexible working arrangements have been institutionalized across both the public and private sectors to boost productivity, promote work-life balance, and ensure operational continuity during disruptive situations.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission has approved a five-day paid wellness leave for government employees starting 1 January 2026. The benefit supports mental health and physical well-being and allows employees to take up to three consecutive days off, separate from existing vacation and sick leave credits.