Good News for the JOs and COs in the Government

For Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers in the Philippine government, significant policy updates in 2026 aim to ease the transition into permanent plantilla positions, focusing on eligibility and welfare.

Here is the good news for JO and COS workers wishing to pass or benefit from the Civil Service Exam (CSE):

1. Civil Service Eligibility-Preference Rating (CSE-PR) 

Qualified JO/COS workers who have accumulated at least 10 years of government service can benefit from the CSE-PR. Civil Service Commission +1

• The Benefit: A maximum of 10 points will be added to a failing rating (70.00–79.99) to achieve the passing rate of 80.00. Civil Service Commission
• Requirements: Must have a rating not lower than 70.00 in the Professional or Subprofessional level, and hold a performance rating of “Very Satisfactory” or its equivalent in the two most recent rating periods. Civil Service Commission
• Application: Must file for this grant within six months of the results being released. 

2. Mandatory Training and Review Sessions

Following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., government agencies are instructed to re-educate and train COS and JO workers to help them pass the civil service exam. Agencies are directed to provide support programs, such as review sessions. 

3. Increased Social Protection and Welfare (2026 Policies) 

Under Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2025, which sets the guidelines for 2026, the welfare of COS/JO workers is strengthened: Civil Service Commission +2

• 20% Premium: Agencies are mandated to provide a premium not exceeding 20% of the worker’s salary to cover voluntary contributions to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund. (DBM)
• Continued Employment: Agencies may still renew or engage new COS/JO workers in 2026, although the total number cannot exceed the baseline established at the end of 2025. 

4. Priority for Regularization

Existing qualified COS and JO workers are given priority for appointment to vacant plantilla positions in government agencies, provided they meet the qualification standards.