The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision, announced in Administrative Order No. 40 on Dec. 11, to grant a one‑time Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) of up to P20,000 to all personnel in the Executive branch, including BuCor staff. The payment is scheduled to begin not earlier than Dec. 15.
Scope of the Incentive
The SRI applies to civilian employees of national agencies, state universities and colleges, and government‑owned or‑controlled corporations, regardless of regular, contractual, or casual status. It also extends to military personnel of the Armed Forces, uniformed members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Philippine Coast Guard, and staff of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.
Why It Matters
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. said the incentive “would significantly impact the agency’s personnel, especially as the festive Christmas season approaches,” adding that it reinforces “the value of dedication and hard work among government employees.” The additional boost comes alongside a separate Executive Order that raises the base pay for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) in three tranches starting Jan. 1 2026, with a subsistence allowance increase to P350 per day.
Possible Next Steps
Analysts note that the timing of the SRI—just before the holiday season—could improve morale and reduce turnover among public‑sector workers. The staggered rise in base pay and daily allowance may further incentivize recruitment and retention in uniformed services. However, the actual impact will depend on how promptly agencies disburse the funds after Dec. 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Service Recognition Incentive?
All personnel in the Executive branch—including civilian employees of national agencies, state universities and colleges, GOCCs, and military and uniformed staff from the Armed Forces, police, fire protection, jail management, coast guard, and other listed departments—are eligible for a one‑time SRI of up to P20,000.
When will the incentive be paid?
The Administrative Order states that payment to qualified government employees should be made not earlier than Dec. 15.
What other compensation changes were announced?
President Marcos also issued an Executive Order raising the base pay for military and uniformed personnel in three tranches beginning Jan. 1 2026, 2027, and 2028, and increasing the subsistence allowance to P350 per day starting Jan. 1 2026.
How might these financial measures influence the morale and performance of government employees in the coming months?
