Senate Bill Proposes Increase in Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for Government Employees
Manila, Philippines — Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito has introduced a bill aimed at providing much-needed financial relief to government employees. The proposed legislation seeks to raise the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) from its current level to a more substantial amount.
Background
The PERA was initially established in 1991 through Budget Circular No. 4. At that time, it granted a modest P500.00 allowance to government employees. The purpose was to help offset the impact of inflation caused by rising oil prices. Over the years, this additional compensation was extended to public school teachers and uniformed personnel in the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines under Administrative Order No. 53, issued in 1993.
In 2009, Joint Resolution No. 4 increased the PERA to its current level of P2,000.00. This adjustment aimed to supplement the base pay of government employees, considering the escalating cost of living.
The Need for Further Relief
Despite these efforts, the relentless rise in prices of basic necessities and prime commodities continues to erode the purchasing power of government employees’ salaries. In response to this ongoing challenge, Senator Ejercito’s bill proposes a significant increase in the monthly PERA.
Key Provisions
The bill, officially designated as Senate Bill No. 2562, seeks to raise the PERA to Php5,000. If approved, this adjustment would provide much-needed relief to government workers, allowing them to better cover their primary expenses. The increase aims to alleviate the financial strain faced by employees who have been grappling with the effects of inflation for decades.
Senator Ejercito’s Call for Approval
Senator Ejercito emphasized the urgency of this measure. “Thirty years have passed since the inception of the PERA,” he stated. “It is high time we recognize the sacrifices of our government employees and address their financial needs adequately.”
The bill has been filed during the Nineteenth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, and its passage would signal a positive step toward supporting the welfare of government workers.
As the legislative process unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure that this crucial relief measure becomes a reality. The approval of Senate Bill No. 2562 would mark a significant milestone in improving the lives of those who serve the nation.