Lawmaker pushes salary hike for LGU execs, workers

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker has filed a measure increasing the salaries of officials and employees of local government units (LGUs).

Deputy Speaker and Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza authored House Joint Resolution No. 4 seeking to implement wage adjustments for officials and employees of LGUs in the country.

According to Daza, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the same measure on June 17, 2009 authorizing the modification of the compensation and position classification system of civilian personnel and the base pay schedule of uniformed and military personnel.

However, he said the provision on salary or wage adjustments for LGU personnel was left unresolved.

“Because of the provision on personnel services’ limitation, many LGUs were unable to implement the salary increases envisioned by Joint Resolution 4, even though their finances so warrant,” he said.

Daza’s measure amends paragraph 7 of Joint House Resolution 4, which was introduced during the Arroyo administration.

He said the amendment states that the salaries and other benefits of LGU officials and employees “shall be determined by their respective Sanggunian in accordance with the provisions of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code.”

“As a matter of legislative notice and common knowledge that due to the current worldwide economic crisis, not only the personnel of the national government, but also those of the LGUs, urgently need and deserve salary increases,” Daza said.

“Despite their palpable loyalty and dedication, officials and employees of LGUs remain one of the least remunerated and least recognized,” he said. –Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)