Palace hopes private firms, too, will pay contractual workers during quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday encouraged private firms to follow the government’s move in paying contractual workers even with the enhanced community quarantine in place.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Commission on Audit (COA) earlier ensured sustained pay for contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) personnel during the strict quarantine measure.

“As the Palace joins COA and DBM in encouraging local government units to adopt the guidelines specified in Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2020, it also trusts that its partners in the private sector will be inspired in providing the same policy to their workers under similar work arrangements,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“The prompt efforts of COA and DBM would certainly alleviate the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 against our people in the public sector who have been anxious about their situation. This is one less worry for them and their families,” Panelo added.

The month-long quarantine, which will take effect until midnight of April 13, aims to limit the public’s movement while the government attempts to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The government has restricted movement and even businesses in the entire Luzon, with the exemption of workers from essential establishments like hospitals, groceries, banks and the like.

To date, health officials recorded 230 cases of COVID-19, of which 18 people have died.