QUEZON CITY — In a significant announcement during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared that government workers in the Philippines will receive a structured salary increase distributed over four tranches. The president also stated that the government has secured funding for these pay hikes and will introduce a medical allowance for state employees.
According to Philippines News Agency, the planned salary adjustments and additional benefits underscore the administration's commitment to enhancing the welfare of government workers. "As for our government employees, they can expect a reliable medical allowance as an additional benefit next year," President Marcos stated, indicating a robust support framework for the workforce.
President Marcos further elaborated that the salary increase would begin this year and continue in the subsequent years, demonstrating the government's proactive approach to employee compensation. "And not only that. There is also an imminent increase in salary that they will get in four tranches. We have allocated funds for this starting this year and in the years to come," he added.
The last salary adjustment for government workers occurred in 2023 under the fourth and final tranche of the Salary Standardization Law of 2019. In preparation for this new series of increases, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in collaboration with the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations, has been conducting a comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Study. This study, expected to conclude by the end of June, aims to evaluate and potentially enhance various facets of the current compensation system, including salaries, benefits, and allowances.
Furthermore, the DBM has requested legislative approval for a PHP70-billion allocation to support the salary increase in the proposed 2025 national budget. This funding initiative, alongside the extended employment terms for job order and contract of service personnel, highlights a broader effort to stabilize and improve the conditions for those serving in public sectors.