CSC: Government workers entitled to 5-day emergency leave

MANILA, Philippines — Government employees affected by the successive storms and the southwest monsoon may avail themselves of a five-day Special Emergency Leave (SEL), which shall not be deducted from their regular leave credits.

“Those residing or working in areas officially declared under a state of calamity may use up to five days of SEL within 30 days from the onset of the disaster. This special leave is not deducted from their earned leave credits and may be taken either consecutively or on separate days,” the Civil Service Commission said over the weekend.

The CSC cited as basis its Memorandum Circulars 2 and 16, which allow government officials and employees to take emergency leaves during natural calamities or disasters, provided a state of calamity is declared by the President or the local government units (LGUs).

Both circulars also state that for areas that have not been officially placed under a state of calamity but are severely affected, agency heads have the discretion to grant SEL, provided they establish clear internal guidelines and verify the extent of the disaster’s impact on affected personnel.

“Agency heads may also consider extending the special leaves beyond five days if there is valid justification and supporting documentation,” the CSC said.

Among natural calamities and disasters covered by the circulars are earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruption and landslide as well as other occurrences that have profound environmental effects, human loss or financial loss.

As of July 25, more than 30 LGUs had declared a state of calamity due to the onslaught of monsoon rains enhanced by Tropical Storms Dante, Emong and Crising.