(POLITIKO) Senator Jinggoy Estrada is seeking to increase the salaries of more than 1.9 million government workers in the country by updating the Salary Standardization Law (SSL).
Senator Jinggoy Estrada is seeking to increase the salaries of more than 1.9 million government workers in the country by updating the Salary Standardization Law (SSL).
Estrada said he filed Senate Bill 2611 seeking to modify the salary schedule for civilian government personnel.
The bill mandates a four-year implementation of the proposed SSL VI, which will be given in four tranches, and will give a 10 to 46-percent adjustment in their salaries.
“Napaso na noong nakaraang taon ang SSL 5, na pinatupad ng nakaraang administrasyon na tumutugon sa tumataas na cost of living o gastusin,” Estrada said on Friday (May 3).
He announced the new SSL bill two days after the country commemorated Labor Day on Wednesday (May 1).
Estrada, who chairs the Senate labor committee, stressed the need to raise the government employees’ salary amid rising prices of goods.
“Patuloy pa rin naman ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin at serbisyo, kaya dapat ay may kaakibat na pagtaas din sa sahod ang mga kawani ng gobyerno, upang sila ay makapagbigay ng disenteng pamumuhay sa kani-kanilang pamilya,” he said.
Under the bill, the first tranche will grant government workers a 10 percent increase; 11 percent increase for the second tranche or second year of implementation; 12 percent for the third tranche; and 13 percent for the fourth tranche; for an overall 46 percent hike during the implementation period.
Covered in the salary adjustments are all civilian government employees, such as public school teachers, nurses, salaried personnel in local government units, and barangay personnel who get monthly honoraria.
Excluded are military and uniformed personnel, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) covered by Republic Act 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, and individuals whose services are engaged through job orders, contracts of service, consultancy or service contracts with no employer-employee relationship.
Estrada said he filed the bill as a sign of gratitude to the government workers for their service to the country.
“More importantly, the proposed bill intends to convey the government’s gratitude for their selfless service and utmost dedication to their work,” Estrada said.
“Also, it will make the compensation of government workers competitive, thus helping retain the incumbent employees and attract applicants at the same time. Through this, we can expect a more vibrant and robust civil service in the country,” he added.