PBBM issues EO increasing salaries, benefits of gov’t employees

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 64, increasing the salaries of government workers and authorizing the grant of an additional allowance to state employees.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by authority of the President, signed EO 64 on August 2, 2024.

It takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

“Given the prevailing economic circumstances, including the erosion of purchasing power due to inflation, there is a need to update the salaries and benefits of government personnel in order to maintain a competent, committed, agile, and healthy workforce, thereby promoting social justice, integrity, efficiency, accountability, and excellence, and ultimately translating to increased productivity and higher-quality public service,” President Marcos said.

Under EO 64, the updated salary schedule applies to all civilian government personnel in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches; Constitutional Commissions and other Constitutional Offices.

Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA 10149, or the “GOCC Governance Act of 2011” and EO No. 150 (s.2021), and the Local Government Units (LGUs) are also covered by EO 64.

The updated salary schedule will be implemented in National Government Agencies (NGAs) in four tranches: the first tranche on Jan. 1, 2024; the second tranche on Jan. 1, 2025; the third tranche on Jan. 1, 2026; and the fourth tranche on Jan. 1, 2027.

EO 64 takes effect retroactively, which means that the first tranche of implementation will be effective on Jan. 1, 2024.

Qualified government employees will also receive a medical allowance of PhP7,000 per annum as a subsidy for the availment of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is tasked with issuing the guidelines necessary to implement specific provisions of EO 64.

A complete copy of the EO is available on the Official Gazette, where other clauses are stated, such as the salary adjustment for LGU personnel and the funding, among others. PND