Definition and Scope of Government Entities
- "Government entities" include departments, bureaus, offices, commissions, GOCCs, and GFIs.
- Staff bureaus that are part of larger departments are not treated as separate agencies.
- Frontline bureaus established by separate laws are considered distinct agencies regardless of organizational integration.
Milestone Anniversary and Bonus Schedule
- Anniversary Bonus is granted only during milestone years.
- Milestone years are defined as the 15th anniversary and every fifth year thereafter (e.g., 20th, 25th).
- Employees may receive the bonus once every five years regardless of agency transfers.
Amount and Conditions of Payment
- Bonus amount shall not exceed PHP 3,000.
- Eligible employees must have rendered at least one year of service in the agency as of the milestone anniversary.
- Entities may grant a lower uniform bonus amount if funds are insufficient.
- Government entities that missed milestone bonuses before the order’s effectivity in 1996 may grant it retroactively under the same conditions.
Restrictions and Supersessions
- No other bonuses or allowances related to anniversary celebrations are permitted aside from the authorized Anniversary Bonus.
- Previous administrative authorizations granting similar bonuses are revoked and replaced by this Order.
Source of Funds
- Funds for payment should come from savings in current operating expenditure allotments after mandatory expenses have been paid.
- For GOCCs and GFIs, bonuses are charged to their corporate funds.
Accountability and Liability
- Heads of government entities bear responsibility and personal liability for improper payments.
- They must ensure compliance with the Order and facilitate refund of any excess payments from employees.
Handling Cases Not Covered
- Issues not addressed by this Order are to be submitted to the Secretary of Budget and Management for evaluation and recommendation to the Office of the President.
Effectivity
- The Administrative Order takes effect immediately as of March 28, 1996.