Senate OKs bill on gov’t workers’ night differential pay

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on final reading the bill seeking to grant night shift differential pay to government employees as well as those in government-owned or controlled corporations.

The upper chamber approved Senate Bill No. 643 with 20 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and no abstention.

Under the bill, qualified government employees shall be paid night shift differential at a rate not exceeding 20 percent of the basic rate for each hour of work performed between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day.

The Labor Code of the Philippines states that night shift differential is defined as “not less than 10 percent of his regular wage for each hour of work performed between 10 o’clock in the evening and 6 o’clock in the morning.”

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., chair of the Senate civil service committee, noted that those working in the private sector receive this wage-related benefit, adding that those in the public sector also deserve this kind of benefit.

“Not all government employees enjoy such benefit. Most of the government employees who work beyond the usual working hours are only paid overtime pay,” Revilla Jr. said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Further, Revilla said that the measure seeks to recognize government employees’ unselfish service, adding that the pay will also help ensure their safety, security, and productivity, “since working at night takes a toll on any person’s health, property, and life.”

Edited by JE