Doubled relief allowance for gov’t workers sought

The PERA — in its current rate of P2,000 — is no longer enough for workers’ expenses considering the continuous hikes in prices of prime commodities and basic needs

A lawmaker has filed a proposed measure seeking to double the monthly Personnel Economic Relief Allowance or PERA of government workers as its current rate is not enough for their expenses.

Senate Bill 1406 — authored by Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. — seeks to realize the true intent of PERA as a form of economic relief to all government workers, subject to automatic yearly adjustments equivalent to any increase in the country’s annual inflation rate.

The senator said that the PERA — in its current rate of P2,000 — is no longer enough for workers’ expenses considering the continuous hikes in prices of prime commodities and basic needs.

“Unfortunately, with the worsening economic conditions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and gasoline, I believe the current amount at P2,000 is already insufficient and needs to be adjusted,” Revilla said.

Since the call to increase the minimum salary of government workers to P33,000 may be unlikely at least until next year, Revilla said the increase in PERA will further help government employees to make ends amid the economic conditions.

To recall, PERA was first given in 1991 pursuant to Budget Circular 4 which granted a P500 allowance to government employees. It was increased to P1,000 by virtue of Administrative Order No. 53 in 1993 and further raised to the current P2,000 in January 2010.