Manila allots P151 million for workers’ hazard pay

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed on Monday an ordinance allocating a budget of P151 million for the hazard pay of city government workers who physically reported for work during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Moreno signed Ordinance No. 8667 authorizing P500 COVID-19 hazard pay per day for those who worked during the ECQ from March 17 to May 15.

He said the budget will be sourced from the city government’s personal services and special activities fund and maintenance and other operating expenses fund.

City government workers who may be granted COVID-19 hazard pay should be holding regular, contractual or casual positions or are engaged through contract of service, job order or other similar schemes.

“The personnel shall have been authorized to physically report for work at their respective offices or work stations on the prescribed official working hours by the head of department, bureau or office during the period of implementation of ECQ,” he said.

The ordinance was signed pursuant to Malacañang’s Administrative Order No. 26, Series of 2020, which authorized the grant of COVID-19 hazard pay to government personnel who physically reported for work.