Proposed Salary Increase for Gov't Officials and Employees Effective
January 2024
In a bid to provide better compensation for government officials and
employees, Senator Ralph Recto has introduced a bill, HB 8081, that seeks to
implement a salary increase in accordance with a four-tranche salary schedule.
If approved, this measure will bring about significant changes in the
remuneration of public servants.
Under the proposed legislation, the salary increases will be rolled out
in four stages, with the initial implementation scheduled for January 1,
2024. Subsequent increases will take effect on the same date each year
until the final tranche is realized in 2027.
The salary increase is set to be an across-the-board annual rise of ten
percent (10%) for a period of four years. This adjustment aims to address
long-standing concerns about the compensation of government officials and
employees, recognizing their vital role in public service and the need for
equitable remuneration.
If the bill is passed and signed into law, it would mark a significant
milestone in the quest to improve the welfare of government workers. The
proposed salary increase could provide financial relief and enhance the
morale of public servants, which in turn could have a positive impact on
the delivery of public services.
However, it is important to note that the bill is still in the proposal
stage and will undergo a rigorous legislative process before it can become
law. It will need to be reviewed, debated, and potentially amended by both
houses of Congress before being presented to the President for
approval.
The proposed salary increase has garnered attention and sparked
discussions among various stakeholders, including government officials,
employees, and labor unions. These groups will closely monitor the
progress of the bill and actively participate in the legislative process
to ensure their voices are heard.
As the bill continues to move through the legislative machinery, its fate
and the potential impact on government officials and employees remain
uncertain. Nonetheless, the introduction of HB 8081 signifies a
significant step toward addressing concerns over compensation in the
public sector and underscores the importance of fair and competitive
salaries for those dedicated to serving the nation.
READ: H. B. No. 8081 (Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto) AN ACT MODIFYING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL
AND AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to improve the purchasing power of approximately 2.46
million civil servants¹ in the country that was eroded by inflation by
providing an increase in the salary of government officials and
employees.
It also aims to attract and retain competent and committed civil servants
and increase productivity among the public sector workers.
By virtue of Republic Act No. 11466 otherwise known as the "Salary
Standardization Law of 2019," the national government implemented the
salary modification for government employees. The modified salary schedule
was implemented in four tranches from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2023.
However, the adjusted salary is still inadequate since the country is
still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Government employees
can barely afford to support their families as the inflation rate between
April 2019 and April 2023 grew at a significant 120%.
This proposal will put more money in government employees' pockets and
will increase disposable income, boost consumer spending, and in turn
would stimulate the economy and help generate more revenues.
This bill mandates the implementation of salary increases for government
officials and employees in accordance with salary schedules for four (4)
tranches. The salary schedules shall be implemented on January 1, 2024 and
every January 1 thereafter until the final tranche in 2027.
The salary increase is equivalent to an across the board annual ten
percent (10%) increase for four (4) years.
With this bill, the government would alleviate the living conditions of
the 2.46 million public servants. Consequently, the much-needed relief
that this measure offers will further motivate government personnel and
invigorate public service.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.
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