Lawmaker pushes for boost to gov't workers' allowance in 2027 budget

MANILA — ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio has urged lawmakers to increase allowances for government employees by boosting funding for the Personal Economic Relief Allowance (Pera) in the 2027 national budget. The allowance, which provides supplementary income to civil servants, has not been raised since 2010, leaving recipients' purchasing power significantly eroded by inflation over the intervening years.

Tinio formally presented his appeal to Congress by submitting a petition bearing signatures from more than 320,000 government workers seeking relief from the frozen allowance. The legislator argued that the stagnant Pera amount no longer adequately addresses the financial needs of public sector employees facing rising costs of living across the country.

The push for increased government worker benefits comes amid broader discussions in Congress over the allocation of funds in the coming fiscal year. Public sector salary and allowance adjustments remain a contentious budgetary issue, with various labor and civil service groups regularly advocating for improved compensation packages.

Government employee groups have long cited the eroded real value of allowances and salaries as contributing to recruitment and retention challenges within the civil service. The Pera initiative represents one of several ongoing efforts by legislators and advocacy groups to address compensation concerns among the Philippines' public workforce.