House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro today questioned the delay in the implementation of the promised salary increase for government employees, as outlined in Executive Order No. 64 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 2, 2023.
Despite the issuance of the Executive Order and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), government employees, including teachers, have yet to see the changes reflected in their payslips. The salary adjustment, which was supposed to retroactively take effect from January 1, 2024, remains pending.
“Bakit may EO na, may IRR na, pero di pa binibigay ang salary increase? Ganun pa rin ang payslip ng mga teachers,” Rep. France Castro emphasized. “Our teachers and government employees have long waited for a substantial adjustment of their salaries, which is crucial to cope with the rising cost of living due to inflation.”
“Ang problema kakarampot na nga tapos delayed pa. Nananatili ang panawagan ng mga guro na P50k entry level at substanyal na dagdag na sahod,” she added
Rep. Castro urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and relevant agencies to expedite the release of guidelines for the implementation of the salary increases, along with the yearly medical allowance of P7,000 for government employees.
“The funds have been allocated, and the commitment has been made in the SONA. It is time to translate these promises into reality for our hardworking civil servants,” she remarked.
As the nation awaits action, Rep. Castro and the ACT Teachers Party-list continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of government employees, pushing for transparency and accountability in the execution of government policies.#