FEB.

18, 2014

NR # 3381

Benefits for non-regular government employees pushed

A lawmaker is seeking the granting of benefits to non-regular employees of the government to protect them from possible exploitation. Rep. Alfredo Vargas III ( th !istrict" #ue$on %ity& filed 'ouse (ill ) ** to address the needs of the non-regular employees in the government who get the heavier workload as compared to those who have plantilla items. Vargas said the government being the largest employer in the country should take the lead in ensuring that the employees are well taken care of and protected from possible exploitation. +,e may not be able to provide them with permanent -obs at this time but by giving them what is due" we can encourage more bright and young minds to work for and with the government". Vargas said. Vargas cited /ection 0" Article II of the 102* %onstitution" which guarantees to promote a -ust and dynamic social order free from poverty through policies that promote full employment geared towards a rising standard of living and an improved 3uality f life for all. +As a matter of fact" the %onstitution also recogni$es temporary employees of the government as part of the %ivil /ervice and the same shall also be accorded with protection as may be provided for by law". Vargas said. Vargas said at present" non-regular employees" also known as -ob order personnel" are not covered by %ivil /ervice Regulations since the services they render are not considered part of government service. Vargas added that most" if not all" of the non-regular employees in the government do not en-oy an employee-employer relationship which excludes them from being covered by the 4abor %ode. +5hese reasons" in effect" put the non-regular personnel in limbo" an area where exploitation is at hand. In fact" it is only the %ommission on Audit (%6A& who looks at the terms and conditions of the contracts entered into by the government and the employee". Vargas stressed. Vargas underscored that a common practice in the government is that non-regular employees get heavier workload probably because the regulars en-oy a security of tenure and is made to believe that working for the government is characteri$ed with laid-backness and mediocrity. 7nder the measure" all the branches" subdivisions" instrumentalities" and agencies of the 8overnment" including local government units and government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters are covered by this Act.

9on-regular employees shall be granted rights to holiday pay" 1)th month pay" multipurpose leave credits" and membership to the 9ational 'ealth Insurance :rogram (9'I:&" 'ome !evelopment ;utual <und ('!;<& or :ag-I(I8 <und and 8overnment /ervice Insurance /ystem (8/I/&. 5he bill amends :aragraph I" /ection ) of Republic Act 2=01 or +5he 8overnment /ervice Insurance /ystem Act of 100*". which includes the compulsory membership of contractuals who have no employee" employer relationship in the 8/I/. In consultation with the 8/I/" '!;< and :hilhealth" the %ivil /ervice %ommission and the !epartment of (udget and ;anagement (!(;& are directed to issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. ()>& lvc