Draft EO of SSL 2015 'under review'

MANILA, Philippines - A draft executive order that would implement the first tranche of the supposed Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 2015 is now with the office of President Aquino undergoing review, officials said.

"We submitted this morning the (Memorandum to the President) on the SSL 2015 with the draft EO attached to the Office of the President (OP)," Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a text message last Thursday.

Herminio Coloma Jr., secretary of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office, confirmed Abad's statement.

"According to Executive Secretary (Pacquito) Ochoa, the draft executive order prepared by the DBM... is now undergoing review by the OP legal staff," Coloma said in a separate text message.

When asked when could an presidential approval be expected, Coloma replied: "I am unable to answer these questions presently."

Abad, on the other hard, did not provide more details.

Earlier, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Aquino has power to grant the first tranche of the SSL 2015, which got stuck at the bicameral conference committee.

The measure, which would have implemented a four-year staggered increase in state employee compensation, was stuck over a proposal to index military pensions with the increase.

The Senate version of the bill contains the provision, which the House of Representatives oppose. Congress adjourned for a three-month break last February 5. 

Abad has said Aquino has enough executive powers to implement a hike in government salaries for the first year even without a law.

This is especially true since the first year of SSL 2015 implementation is already funded in this year's national budget.

Based on DBM's estimates, the first year of salary adjustments will cost P57.906 billion. 

Congress will hold its last session by May for three weeks, but mostly to canvass votes for the national elections.

This leaves no time to tackle pending measures, which would have to be refiled once a new legislature takes over by June.

The 16th Congress adjourns sine die by June 10.