 |
| The EO 64 salary increase boosts government workers' pay and benefits, with phased tranches effective immediately this 2024. |
(UPDATED) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a decisive step to uplift the financial status of government workers by issuing Executive Order No. 64 (EO 64). Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on August 2, 2024, EO 64 mandates a significant salary increase for government personnel and authorizes an additional allowance.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
What is Executive Order 64?
Executive Order 64 is a mandate aimed at updating the salaries and benefits of government personnel across various branches and sectors. President Marcos emphasized the need for this update, citing the erosion of purchasing power due to inflation and the importance of maintaining a competent and efficient workforce.
Objectives of EO 64
EO 64 aims to:
- Address wage stagnation and ensure fair compensation.
- Promote social justice, integrity, efficiency, accountability, and excellence.
- Enhance productivity and the quality of public service.
- Provide financial stability and health benefits to government employees.
Scope of EO 64
The order applies to all civilian government personnel in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, as well as Constitutional Commissions, Constitutional Offices, Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) not covered by RA 10149 or EO No. 150 (s.2021), and Local Government Units (LGUs). This extensive coverage ensures that a broad spectrum of government employees benefits from the updated salary schedule.
How Much Salary Increase in 2024?
One of the critical components of EO 64 is the detailed framework for the salary increase scheduled to begin in 2024. This framework is designed to provide substantial and equitable raises to government employees.
Breakdown of the Salary Increase
The salary increase will be implemented in four tranches, with each tranche bringing a significant boost to the wages of government personnel:
1. First Tranche: Effective January 1, 2024
2. Second Tranche: Effective January 1, 2025
3. Third Tranche: Effective January 1, 2026
4. Fourth Tranche: Effective January 1, 2027
The structured increments are intended to provide a cumulative and impactful increase, ensuring that employees receive fair and substantial raises over the four-year period.
Factors Influencing the Increase
The salary adjustments under EO 64 are influenced by various factors, including job classification, years of service, and performance metrics. This approach ensures that the increases are merit-based and reflect each employee's contributions and responsibilities.
Additional Allowance
In addition to the salary increase, qualified government employees will receive an annual medical allowance of PhP7,000. This allowance is intended to subsidize the availment of health maintenance organization (HMO)-type benefits, providing crucial support for healthcare needs.
Tranches of EO 64 Salary Increase
The implementation of EO 64's salary increase is designed to be phased and systematic, ensuring a smooth transition and manageable process.
First Tranche
 |
| The first tranche, effective January 1, 2024, will retroactively boost government salaries for the remaining duration of 2024. |
The first tranche, effective January 1, 2024, will provide an immediate boost to the salaries of government personnel. This initial phase is retroactive, meaning employees will receive the adjusted salary for 2024.
Subsequent Tranches
 |
| The second tranche will be effective on January 1, 2025. |
 |
| The third tranche will be effective on January 1, 2026. |
Following the first tranche, the second, third, and fourth tranches will be implemented on January 1 of 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively. Each tranche will cover specific groups of employees, ensuring an even distribution of the increases and allowing for continuous assessment and adjustments.
Final Tranche
 |
| The fourth tranche will be effective on January 1, 2026. |
By the end of the fourth tranche in 2027, all eligible government employees will have received their respective salary adjustments. The final tranche will also involve a thorough review of the implementation process, ensuring that the objectives of EO 64 have been met and that the increases have been fair and transparent.
Broader Implications for Government Employees
The implementation of EO 64 carries several broader implications for government employees beyond the immediate salary increases.
Enhanced Financial Stability
With the new salary adjustments, government employees can expect improved financial stability. The increased wages and additional medical allowances are designed to help employees better manage their living expenses and healthcare costs, fostering overall financial security.
Improved Job Satisfaction
The substantial salary increases are likely to enhance job satisfaction among government employees. EO 64 aims to boost morale and motivation within the workforce by providing fair compensation that reflects their contributions. This improved satisfaction can lead to increased productivity and a more positive work environment.
Attraction and Retention of Talent
The competitive salary adjustments under EO 64 may also aid in attracting and retaining talented individuals within the government sector. By offering more competitive compensation packages, the government can better compete with the private sector for skilled professionals, ensuring it maintains a high-quality workforce.
Impact on Public Service Quality
As a result of the increased compensation and enhanced job satisfaction, the quality of public service is expected to improve. Government employees who feel valued and fairly compensated are more likely to deliver high-quality services, contributing to better public administration outcomes.
Conclusion
The EO 64 salary increase in 2024 is a landmark decision that promises to significantly enhance the financial well-being of government employees. EO 64 aims to create a more motivated and productive workforce by addressing wage disparities and providing substantial raises. The phased implementation through tranches ensures a smooth transition and allows for ongoing assessment and adjustments. As employees look forward to these changes, the promise of improved compensation and health benefits underscores the importance of equitable wage policies in fostering a competent and efficient public service.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring government employees receive fair compensation reflecting their hard work and dedication. By implementing these changes, the government aims to promote social justice, integrity, and excellence, ultimately leading to increased productivity and higher-quality public service. —iTacloban