The Philippine government has taken a significant step toward improving the compensation of its public sector employees through the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI). This initiative aims to gradually increase government workers’ salaries over four years, ensuring financial stability amid economic challenges. On August 2, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially signed Executive Order No. 64, outlining the schedule for these salary adjustments from 2024 to 2027.
Understanding SSL VI
What is Salary Standardization Law VI?
The Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) is a government-mandated program designed to enhance the salary structure of civilian government employees in the Philippines. This law ensures that public sector wages remain competitive and responsive to economic changes, particularly inflation and the rising cost of living.
Key Objectives of SSL VI
The SSL VI was introduced with the following goals:
- Competitive Compensation – Align government salaries with those in the private sector, making public service more attractive.
- Employee Retention and Satisfaction – Enhance job security and morale among government workers.
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity – Motivate employees by recognizing their contributions through better pay.
- Sustained Fiscal Responsibility – Implement salary increases in phases to ensure budgetary feasibility.
It is important to note that military and uniformed personnel are not included in this implementation as their salary adjustments are handled separately under different laws.
Phased Implementation Timeline
The government has structured the salary increases in four tranches to ensure a systematic and sustainable implementation. Below is the timeline for the scheduled adjustments:
| Tranche | Effective Date | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | January 1, 2024 | Initial salary increase |
| 2nd | January 1, 2025 | Continued salary adjustment |
| 3rd | January 1, 2026 | Further pay increment |
| 4th | January 1, 2027 | Final salary increase |
This staggered approach ensures that the salary increases are smoothly integrated into the national budget while progressively improving government employees’ earnings.
Salary Adjustments: What to Expect?
Under SSL VI, salary adjustments depend on Salary Grade (SG) and Step. Each government job is classified under a specific salary grade, with incremental steps reflecting years of service or performance-based promotions.
Below is an estimated breakdown of Step 1 salaries across selected salary grades over the four-year implementation period:
| Salary Grade | 2024 (1st Tranche) | 2025 (2nd Tranche) | 2026 (3rd Tranche) | 2027 (4th Tranche) |
| SG 1 | ₱13,530 | ₱14,061 | ₱14,634 | ₱15,208 |
| SG 5 | ₱17,205 | ₱17,866 | ₱18,581 | ₱19,296 |
| SG 11 | ₱28,512 | ₱30,024 | ₱31,705 | ₱33,387 |
| SG 15 | ₱38,413 | ₱40,208 | ₱42,178 | ₱44,148 |
| SG 20 | ₱60,157 | ₱62,967 | ₱66,052 | ₱69,138 |
| SG 24 | ₱94,132 | ₱98,185 | ₱102,603 | ₱107,022 |
| SG 30 | ₱196,199 | ₱203,200 | ₱210,718 | ₱218,237 |
| SG 33 | ₱428,994 | ₱438,844 | ₱449,157 | ₱459,469 |
Example of Salary Growth Over Four Years
To illustrate the impact of SSL VI, consider a government employee at Salary Grade 15 (Step 1):
- 2024: ₱38,413
- 2025: ₱40,208
- 2026: ₱42,178
- 2027: ₱44,148
By 2027, this employee’s salary will have increased by ₱5,735 compared to the 2024 rate. Higher salary grades will experience even larger increments, making public service more financially rewarding.
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Who Benefits from SSL VI?
SSL VI applies to a broad spectrum of civilian government employees, including:
- Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches – Employees of national government agencies and departments.
- Constitutional Commissions – Personnel working under agencies like the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, and Commission on Elections.
- Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) – Employees of GOCCs not covered by other compensation laws.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) – Subject to the financial capacity of each LGU to fund the increases.
With over 1.3 million public servants expected to benefit, SSL VI ensures that compensation remains fair and justifiable across all levels of government.
Additional Benefits Under SSL VI
Aside from salary adjustments, SSL VI also introduces supplementary benefits to support government employees:
- Medical Allowance – An annual ₱7,000 allowance for health-related expenses, including medical consultations and HMO contributions.
- Uniform/Clothing Allowance – An annual ₱7,000 allowance to help employees purchase work-related attire, ensuring a professional appearance.
- Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) – Incentives given to employees based on individual and agency performance, encouraging efficiency and dedication.
Conclusion
The Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) is a transformative policy aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of government employees. By implementing gradual salary increases, offering additional benefits, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, SSL VI plays a crucial role in strengthening the public sector workforce. Government employees can expect progressive salary growth, improved job satisfaction, and better financial security as the law is fully implemented by 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the salary increase under SSL VI?
All civilian employees working in national government agencies, constitutional commissions, GOCCs (not covered by separate laws), and financially capable LGUs are eligible for SSL VI.
2. Will military and uniformed personnel receive the same salary increase?
No, the salary adjustments for military and uniformed personnel are managed under separate legislation.
3. How will SSL VI be funded?
The government allocates budgetary resources through the General Appropriations Act to ensure sustainable funding for SSL VI.
4. What happens after 2027?
Further adjustments will depend on future government policies, economic conditions, and legislative actions regarding salary standardization.
5. How can government employees track their salary increases?
Employees can refer to official government announcements or consult their HR departments to stay informed about salary adjustments.
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