28/01/2026
WHAT ARE THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RULES ON OVERTIME?
In the government, overtime work isnโt automatic โ itโs governed by official CSC-DBM guidelines on overtime services and pay. One of the key issuances is the CSC and DBM Joint Circular No. 1, Series of 2015, titled โPolicies and Guidelines on Overtime Services and Overtime Pay for Government Employees.โ
๐ Hereโs what the CSC rules say:
โ๏ธ **Overtime is authorized only when EXTREMELY NECESSARY โ that is, when work cannot be completed in regular hours and delay would cause public prejudice, financial loss, or embarrassment to government performance.
โ๏ธ The work must be officially authorized in writing by the head of office or authorized official before the overtime hours are rendered.
โ๏ธ Overtime compensation is subject to available funds and budget limitations; overtime pay cannot exceed 50% of an employeeโs total basic salary per year, and the agencyโs total overtime pay cannot exceed 5% of its personnel services budget unless DBM approval is secured.
โ๏ธ Alternative compensation like Compensatory Time Off (CTO) may be given instead of cash pay, especially for higher-level staff or where authorized by the Circular.
In short: overtime in government is NOT automatic โ it must be justified by service exigency, properly authorized, and aligned with CSC-DBM rules. When done right, it protects both public service delivery and employee rights.
๐ For more practical tips on government work, public service rules, and career readiness
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