Regularize Long-Serving Job Order and Contractual Workers to Boost Efficiency — Solon

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In a bold push to modernize public service, Senator Camille Villar has called on the government to fill thousands of unoccupied positions and to regularize long-serving job order (JO) and contractual workers.

Her proposal aims to make government more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to the public, especially as the Senate reviews the national budget for 2026.

Why Regularization Matters for Sen. Villar

During the ongoing Senate budget deliberations for fiscal year 2026, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) highlighted a persistent and critical challenge: more than 83,000 first-level government positions remain unfilled.

Even more striking is the note that qualification standards for many roles have not been updated in 15 years. This mismatch between needs and capabilities translates into slower service, heavier workloads for already stretched staff, and, ultimately, higher costs for taxpayers.

Senator Villar’s reform vision centers on the people who keep government running daily — the job order and contractual workers who have dedicated years of service.

She argues that regularizing these workers is not only a matter of fairness and dignity but also a practical strategy to improve service delivery.

In a Press Release by the Senate of the Philippines, Senator Villar said:

“Every unfilled position means slower service, heavier workloads, and wasted taxpayer money.

The best way to make government more efficient is to empower the very people who keep it running, our job order and contractual workers who have been serving the public for years.”

The Proposed Solution: Regularization of Work Engagement in Government Service Act

To address these gaps, Villar filed the Regularization of Work Engagement in Government Service Act. The bill seeks to grant permanent appointment and civil service eligibility to qualified individuals in several long-standing arrangements, including casual, contractual, contract-of-service, job order, and similar work setups.

Key features of the proposed measure:

Under the proposed measure, individuals who have rendered at least five (5) years of continuous service in national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs), or ten (10) years in local government units (LGUs), will be appointed to permanent plantilla positions within their respective agencies.

This framework is designed to create a more stable and accountable workforce, enabling agencies to plan long-term staffing, invest in ongoing training, and deliver consistent public services.

Alignment with CSC’s Modernization Efforts

Senator Villar’s proposal complements the CSC’s ongoing reforms to modernize qualification standards and update pay scales.

CSC Chairperson Marilyn Yap has emphasized the need to reform qualification benchmarks to reflect current skills and responsibilities.

In tandem, updating staffing policies and recognizing long-serving workers can help ensure that benefits, protections, and professional development opportunities keep pace with the realities of modern public service.

The proposal is moving through the legislative process as part of the 2026 budget discussions. If enacted, it could set a precedent for how governments balance fiscal prudence with workforce equity and robust service delivery.

What This Means for Government Employees and Citizens

For government employees, particularly those on JO or contractual arrangements, this proposal represents a potential pathway to permanent status, civil service eligibility, and access to the benefits that come with regular employment.

You May Be Interested

For taxpayers and citizens, the reform promises faster, more reliable public services and improved accountability, backed by a workforce that feels secure and valued.

What do you think of this proposal?

What do you think of this proposal by Senator Villar? Does it give you hope especially if you belong to the workforce who will benefit from it once enacted? Tell us your thoughts on this in the comments section below.