SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go recently introduced a bill that aims to address the current economic conditions and recognize the vital role played by civilian personnel in the Philippine government in delivering unhampered public service. The bill, known as Senate Bill (SB) 2504 or the “Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL6),” builds upon the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11466, also known as the “Salary Standardization Law 5 (SSL5),” which Go co-authored and co-sponsored in 2019.
In filing this bill, Senator Go emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of ordinary public servants who form the foundation of the government and tirelessly serve the welfare of every Filipino. He stated, “It is important that we continue to pay attention and raise the salary of our ordinary public servants. They are the foundation of our government, tirelessly serving the welfare of every Filipino.”
The proposed SSL6 bill highlights the need to review and augment the salaries of government employees in response to the increasing cost of living and inflation rate. As of October 2023, the inflation rate in the Philippines stands at 6.4 percent, surpassing the government’s targeted ceiling of 2 percent to 4 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
If passed and approved, SB 2504 or SSL6 will modify the salary schedule for civilian personnel, with increases planned in four tranches. The bill covers all civilian government personnel across the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, Constitutional Commissions, government-owned or -controlled corporations not covered by RA 10149, and local government units.
In the explanatory note of the bill, Senator Go emphasizes the significance of this legislative move, stating, “Having a competitive compensation in government service not only improves the lives of government employees, but it also attracts employees with sufficient expertise and skill. It dignifies work in the government.”
He further explains, “Improving compensation in government will also provide viable and more attractive job opportunities to Filipinos aside from what is available in the private sector. Moreover, properly compensating the government workforce is also a way to discourage corruption and promote a dignified source of living.”
If the bill becomes law, it would mark a significant step towards improving the welfare of government workers in the Philippines. The proposed salary adjustments aim to help government employees cope with the rising cost of living while attracting competent professionals to the public sector.
Senator Go emphasized the importance of providing adequate support and compensation to government workers for their dedication and service to the country. He said, “We must ensure that our workers in the government are given enough support and compensation that they deserve for their dedication and service to the country.”
He added, “This proposal would symbolize our dedication to improving the condition of the workers in the government, which is important in maintaining a good and effective public service in the Philippines.”
Senator Bong Go’s proposed bill, SB 2504 or SSL6, seeks to address the economic challenges faced by government employees in the Philippines. By recognizing their crucial role and improving their compensation, the bill aims to attract skilled professionals to the public sector and ensure the efficient delivery of public service. If enacted, this legislation would mark a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of government workers and maintaining a strong and effective government in the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times
