Salary hike for gov't employees filed before Senate

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate version of the Senate Standardization Law of 2015 has been filed on Wednesday following President Benigno Aquino III's endorsement of the measure.

On Monday, Aquino endorsed to Congress the Salary Standardization Law which seeks to increase the monthly salaries of 1.53 million government employees by 45 percent.

READ: Noy OKs pay hike for state workers

Senate President Franklin Drilon and Sen. Loren Legarda filed Senate Bill 3009 which seeks to encourage employees to stay longer in the government and to boost their morale and productivity.

"The economy is in the right course and we will take advantage of the favorable condition to raise the pay scheme in the government and align it with the compensation received by employees from the private sector," Drilon said.

Drilon noted that it is time to adjust the salaries of employees who have helped the government in fulfilling its mandate to the people.

The senate president added that the proposed measure would stabilize key government posts and will address the high turnover of positions in the government.

"The new compensation package will entice employees to remain on the job and attract competent applicants to be involved in government works," Drilon said.

Senate Bill 3009, which will cost P225.8 billion over four years, will bring the pay system in the government closer to the rates in the private sector.

It will assure that each salary grade allocation of government personnel will not overlap to recognize the differences in duties and responsibilities of each position, Drilon said.

The proposed measure also introduced a new set of allowances and benefits such as a 14th month pay, a midyear bonus and a performance-based bonus which may be equal or double the monthly salary.

"The bill will maximize the employees’ net take-home pay and recognize the government personnel who play a greater role and carry a heavier responsibility in improving government performance," Drilon said.

The Senate is set to pass the measure before the end of the year so as employees will be able to enjoy the new salary package by Jan. 1, 2016.

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