On August 2, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an order for a salary increase and additional allowance for government workers, as announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed Executive Order (EO) No. 64 on behalf of President Marcos, with the directive taking immediate effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
“Given the prevailing economic circumstances, including the erosion of purchasing power due to inflation, there is a need to update the salaries and benefits of government personnel to maintain a competent, committed, agile, and healthy workforce, thereby promoting social justice, integrity, efficiency, accountability, and excellence, and ultimately translating to increased productivity and higher-quality public service,” the PCO quoted Marcos as saying.
The wage hike schedule applies to all civilian government personnel in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, Constitutional Commissions, and other Constitutional Offices. Government-owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) not covered by Republic Act 10149, or the “GOCC Governance Act of 2011,” and EO No. 150 (s.2021), as well as local government units, are also covered by EO 64.
The salary increase will be implemented in four tranches: the first tranche on January 1, 2024 (retroactive); the second tranche on January 1, 2025; the third tranche on January 1, 2026; and the fourth tranche on January 1, 2027. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had previously stated that qualified government employees would receive the first two of the four-tranche wage hikes starting in 2025.
In addition to the salary increase, EO 64 grants qualified government employees a medical allowance of PHP 7,000 per annum as a subsidy for health maintenance organization-type benefits. The Palace has tasked the DBM with issuing the necessary guidelines for the implementation of specific provisions of EO 64.
The decision to update the salaries and benefits of government employees is seen as a response to the current economic challenges, particularly inflation, which has eroded purchasing power. The updated compensation package aims to ensure that government personnel remain motivated and capable of delivering high-quality public services. The PCO emphasized that the move is part of the administration’s commitment to promoting social justice and efficiency within the government workforce, ultimately benefiting the public by enhancing the quality of services provided.
We are happy…. but , sad ….because our Province of Davao Oriental can’t implement it….we cannot benefited on it …. that’s the effect of our legislators who didn’t approved our budget for 2024…the poor employees are all sad…and…angry to the bone….
Thank you so much Mr. President….