The Philippine government has officially announced a salary increase for public sector employees under the Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI). This program aims to gradually raise government workers’ wages over four years, ensuring fair compensation and economic stability.
On March 1, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 64, setting the schedule for salary adjustments from 2025 to 2028. The main objectives of SSL VI are to help government employees cope with inflation, the rising cost of living, and other financial challenges while also making public sector salaries more competitive.
Salary Increase in the Philippines
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Implemented | Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) |
| Signed By | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. |
| Effective Period | 2025 – 2028 |
| Main Goal | Salary adjustment for government employees |
| Exclusions | Military and uniformed personnel |
| Official Site | www.dbm.gov.ph |
SSL VI
The Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) is a structured salary increase program designed to address the economic concerns of civilian government employees. This law ensures fair and competitive wages compared to the private sector while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Key Objectives:
- Competitive Compensation – Align government salaries with private sector wages.
- Employee Satisfaction and Retention – Improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
- Boost Productivity – Encourage efficiency and dedication to public service.
Under SSL VI, salary increases will be implemented in four tranches over four years, ensuring that adjustments are financially sustainable while addressing the needs of employees.
Implementation Timeline
The salary increases will be gradually implemented over four years to ensure proper budget management and a smooth rollout. Below is the schedule:
| Tranche | Effective Date | Salary Adjustment |
| 1st | March 1, 2025 | Initial salary adjustment |
| 2nd | March 1, 2026 | Continued salary increase |
| 3rd | March 1, 2027 | Further adjustment to salaries |
| 4th | March 1, 2028 | Final salary increase |
These incremental salary hikes allow for steady income growth while maintaining financial balance for the government.
Salary Increases: How Much Will You Earn?
Salaries under SSL VI are determined by Salary Grade (SG) and Step. Each government position falls under a specific salary grade, with additional step increments based on tenure and performance.
Salary Growth for Selected Salary Grades (Step 1)
| Salary Grade | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
| 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 Scenario: Salary Growth Over Four Years
A government employee at Salary Grade 15 (Step 1) will experience the following salary growth:
- 2025: ₱38,413
- 2026: ₱40,208
- 2027: ₱42,178
- 2028: ₱44,148
By 2028, the employee’s salary will have increased by ₱5,735 from the 2025 base amount.
For higher salary grades, such as SG 30, employees will see an increase of ₱22,038 over the four years, ensuring fair pay for senior-level positions.
Who Will Benefit from SSL VI?
SSL VI benefits a wide range of civilian government employees, covering multiple sectors:
- Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches – Workers in national agencies and departments.
- Constitutional Commissions and Offices – Includes the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, and Commission on Elections.
- Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) – If they are not covered by separate compensation laws.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) – Subject to the financial capacity of each LGU.
With this broad coverage, over 1.3 million government employees will benefit from SSL VI, ensuring fair and equitable salaries across all levels.
Additional Benefits
In addition to salary adjustments, SSL VI introduces extra financial benefits:
- ₱7,000 Annual Medical Allowance – Helps cover health-related expenses and healthcare services.
- ₱7,000 Annual Uniform/Clothing Allowance – Supports the purchase of professional work attire.
- Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) – Rewards employees who meet or exceed performance standards.
These benefits ensure that government workers receive comprehensive support beyond base salary increases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is covered under SSL VI?
SSL VI covers civilian government employees from national agencies, constitutional offices, and GOCCs. However, military and uniformed personnel are excluded as they have a separate salary adjustment mechanism.
2. How are salary adjustments determined?
Salaries are adjusted based on Salary Grade (SG) and Step, with increases phased over four tranches from 2025 to 2028.
3. When will the salary increases take effect?
The salary adjustments begin on March 1, 2025, with subsequent increases every March 1 until 2028.
4. Will local government employees also receive increases?
Yes, but the salary adjustments for LGUs depend on their financial capacity to implement SSL VI.
5. Where can I find more details about SSL VI?
You can visit the official Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website at www.dbm.gov.ph for updates and guidelines.
The Salary Standardization Law VI (SSL VI) is a major step toward fair wages for Philippine government employees. With structured salary increases and additional benefits, SSL VI ensures public servants receive just compensation while promoting fiscal responsibility and economic stability.
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