Gatchalian urges CSC to advocate for job order, contractual workers

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to champion the welfare of job order (JO) and contractual government workers who remain ineligible for permanent positions.

During the 2026 budget hearing for the CSC, Gatchalian noted a growing number of JO and contractual employees—now totaling 919,868, despite many unfilled permanent roles in government.

“Counterintuitive ‘yun. Dapat i-fill up ‘yung authorized positions para may security of tenure that will improve morale, will also make them eligible kung makapasa sila sa exam, at makakakuha pa sila ng benefits,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee.

The CSC said these workers fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit, though discussions are ongoing on possible benefits and extended terms.

Still, Gatchalian urged CSC to take the lead. 

“The CSC should take up the cudgels for the job order and contractual employees. Government functions as one. If you need a law, we will support, or maybe an executive order would suffice,” he concluded.IMT