Former Bayan Muna Representative Ferdie Gaite conveyed his dissatisfaction regarding the recently announced salary increase for government employees, characterizing it as insufficient and inadequate to fulfill the fundamental needs of workers.
“The supposed salary increase is nothing but a pittance,” Gaite stated. “Did the computation for this increase follow the NEDA’s computation, where a mere P64 a day for food per person is supposed to be enough but is nowhere near the amount to provide a decent living standard for our workers and their families?”
The salary increase, which is set to be released in four installments over the next four years, has been unveiled by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with a total allocation of P31.93 billion. However, the details of the increase remain vague as the study conducted by the DBM has not been publicly disclosed, and it was done without consulting the affected employees.
“We are in the dark about whether this increase considered the genuine demands of our government workers for a living wage,” Gaite pointed out. “The increase should raise the salary of low-level employees to a living wage, apply to all employees including those in local government and JOCOS workers, and set a National Minimum Wage of PHP 33,000 per month.”
Gaite emphasized the need for continued action to push for a more equitable salary adjustment, highlighting that if the salary increase resembles previous salary standardization laws, it will fall short of the workers’ demands.
“Our fight is not over,” Gaite declared. “We will continue our calls and actions to ensure that government employees receive a salary that truly reflects their hard work and dedication.”
The release of funds is contingent upon each agency’s submitted request for salary increase computation, with the first tranche being retroactive to January 2023. Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has urged department heads to expedite the distribution of the salary differential.
Gaite concluded, “While the urgency for fund distribution is noted, it is imperative that the increase actually uplifts the lives of our government workers, who deserve more than just token adjustments.”#
