P250 million hazard pay for Quezon City workers OK’d

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City council has approved an ordinance granting a P250-million funding for the hazard pay of workers who rendered services during the implementation of stricter lockdown last March, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced yesterday.

Belmonte said qualified city hall employees who physically reported for work during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine and modified ECQ are set to receive a hazard pay of P500 per day.

Under the ordinance – introduced by Councilors Donny Matias, Peachy de Leon and Majority Floor Leader Franz Pumaren – regular, contractual or casual workers are entitled to receive the hazard pay.

“All workers on-duty deserve to be compensated for their sacrifices, especially since they face the risk of contracting the virus,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Barangay workers will receive a hazard pay of P200 per day of duty under another ordinance.

“Barangays are encouraged to draw from their funds and to add up to P300 maximum hazard pay to their personnel who worked during the period,” assistant city administrator for fiscal affairs Don Javillonar said.

Metro Manila was placed under ECQ from March 29 to April 11. Various areas in the country, including Quezon City, were placed under MECQ from April 12 to April 30. This was extended until May 14.