Government workers continue to push for P5,000 PERA

MANILA, Philippines—Government workers are pressing the government to raise the proposed increase in the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) to P5,000, saying the P500 increase included in the proposed 2027 national budget is insufficient.

The All Government Employee Unity has been pushing for a higher PERA, which has remained at P2,000 since its introduction in 2009.

The allowance is intended to supplement government workers’ salaries and provide economic relief amid rising costs.

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ACT Chairperson Ruby Bernardo said the allowance has failed to keep pace with increases in the cost of basic goods, transportation, fuel, utilities and other necessities.

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“The prices of basic necessities have continued to rise, yet the allowance meant to provide economic relief to government workers has remained at P2,000,” Bernardo said in a statement.

“This amount can no longer provide the relief that workers need.”

The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program includes a P500 increase in PERA, bringing the monthly allowance to P2,500.

Government workers, however, are seeking an additional P3,000 to bring the allowance to P5,000.

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Bernardo said the proposed P500 increase would not provide sufficient relief to workers.

“We are asking for P3,000 more because the present P2,000 allowance has long ceased to keep up with the cost of living,” she said.

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The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) also rejected claims that the government could not afford the additional P3,000 being sought by government employees.

AHW National President Bonifacio Carmona Jr. called it an “injustice” to use the “no money” argument against a meaningful increase in PERA.

The campaign comes as the House considers amendments to the proposed 2027 national budget.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio criticized the House Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee for approving P116.32 billion in amendments without providing additional funds for PERA.

“No additional funds were provided for PERA, despite the clamor to raise the current proposal,” he said. 

Of the total amendments, P77.86 billion, or about 67 percent, went to seven programs, including Department of Public Works and Highways capital outlay, the Local Government Support Fund, farm-to-market roads, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients, TUPAD and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, according to Tinio.

Tinio said the lack of additional funding for PERA was concerning as government employees have been seeking a more substantial increase after 17 years without an adjustment.

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The groups have been holding lunch-break protests and other workplace- and school-based actions and have urged government employees to join the campaign for a P5,000 PERA. /gsg