CSC: Govt employees can take up to 5 days SEL for storm recovery

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that government employees affected by recent storms and habagat may take up to five days of special emergency leave for recovery.

This policy, first issued in 2012 following Typhoon Ondoy, allows workers to apply for the leave either consecutively or staggered without deducting from their regular leave credits if they reside in or are assigned to areas declared under a state of calamity due to tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

To qualify, employees must present proof such as photos or barangay certification. Agencies are advised not to unreasonably deny these applications if sufficient evidence is provided.

The CSC's advisory dated July 25 also states that agency heads have discretion to grant SEL beyond five days with valid justification and supporting documentation for areas not yet formally declared under a state of calamity but where government personnel are evidently affected.

In addition, the CSC is reviewing the possibility of extending wellness or mental health leave benefits across all government agencies in the future.