The government has set aside P11 billion for the early release of the mandatory 13th month pay of all state workers to help them and their families recover from the devastation spawned by storm “Ondoy.”

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said all government workers could ask in advance for the release of their 13th month pay regardless of whether they were distressed or not by the deadly rainstorm last weekend. President Arroyo previously directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release a month early the additional payment to workers in calamity areas to augment relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Andaya, in a news conference in the Palace, explained that getting the second half of the 13th month pay will be optional for all national government workers. The government already released the first half of the payment to the workforce last May while the final half is usually released in November.

He said some government workers, although they were safe from the heavy rains and floods induced by Ondoy, may need the additional funds to send to their loved ones affected by the disaster.

“We don’t want to impose on everyone because not all workers want an early release of their 13th month pay,” the budget chief said.

“This will be purely voluntary. Those workers who need it, we are ready to give the payment early. To those who can wait, have ample savings, and don’t need it, pwede rin. We are trying to be flexible as possible to their needs,” he added.

With the government taking the lead, Andaya said he expects local government units to extend the same financial assistance to their employees affected by the storm.

Malacanang is also considering the allocation of “spot cash” for calamity victims through the Department of Social Welfare and Development if needed, according to Andaya.

He said the government is ready to extend the financial aid to the families displaced by the storm should the DSWD budget runs out.