Sen. Estrada files bill for salary hike of gov't employees

Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed Senate Bill No. 2611, proposing Salary Standardization Law VI to gradually increase the salaries of government employees by 10 to 46 percent over four years.

Estrada stated the bill aims to provide a decent life for government workers amidst rising living costs, as the previous Salary Standardization Law 5 expired last year.

The bill covers civilian government employees but excludes military and uniformed personnel and certain government-owned and controlled corporations.

Estrada believes his proposed Salary Standardization Law VI can be implemented via an Executive Order if it is not feasible to pass it through Congress, citing a precedent from former President Benigno S. Aquino III.

He hopes the measure will be given consideration due to the needs of workers caused by the continuous increase in the price of goods.

Estrada expects the Department of Budget and Management to present a study on salary increases for government workers during budget deliberations this year.