In a press briefing by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman discussed the government-allocated budget breakdown, including the wage increase for government employees.
During the panel session, someone asked if the salary increase for government workers also applies to entry-level teachers. However, Budget Sec Pangandaman stated that the increase only applies past the entry-level position. They had already completed and presented the budget to the cabinet, when Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, assumed the position.
Nevertheless, Sec Angara was allowed to at least rearrange the priority programs within the level, as approved in the cabinet meeting. Budget Sec. Pangandaman added that the wage increase for entry-level positions needs legislation, and must first be studied by the department.
P70 billion was allotted for the salary increase of all the government employees, including the medical benefits and/or allowance, to be implemented in 2025.
Budget Secretary Pangandaman recalled government workers not having access to Health Maintenance Origanizations (HMO) in the past. Thus, the proposal was made for the employees’ convenience in acquiring the benefit. According to them, P9.6 billion funds were allocated for the government employees’ medical allowance, with P7,000 for each employee.
The allowance would be given annually to employees in each department.
All this will be part of the four tranches proposed for the years; 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. The department is targeting to begin the first wave by this year, with the salary increase taking effect by January 2025.
