NOV.

13, 2012

NR # 2922

Solon wants to upgrade the salary grade of retiring government employees

A lawmaker has filed a measure granting a promotion of one salary grade higher to all government personnel upon their compulsory retirement from the service. Rep. Maria Evita Arago (3rd District, Laguna), author of House Bill 6654, said upgrading the salary scale of retiring government employees by one grade higher on the date of retirement of the employee would enable the retired employee to live within the realistic economic means once he/she retires. It would be a fitting tribute to the civil servants who have dedicated the best years of their lives in public service, Arago said. In filing the bill, Arago cited Section 8, Article XVI of the Constitution which affirms that the State shall from time to time review to upgrade the pensions and other benefits due to retirees of both the government and private sectors. In accordance with this policy, the measure provides for the upgrading the salary scale of a retiring government employee which is truly responsive in the prevailing economic situation, Arago said. Under the bill, all government personnel shall, upon compulsory retirement from the government service, be granted an automatic promotion equivalent to a salary grade higher than the salary grade last held prior to their retirement. The adjusted salary grade shall be used as basis for the computation of the retirement benefits. The bill mandates the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in coordination with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. Under the bill, the amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the appropriations for the department, agencies, bureaus, other national offices and the respective budget of local government units of the year following its enactment. In order to manifest the support and desire to improve the socio economic conditions of our government, early passage of the measure is earnestly sought, Arago said. (30) lvc