EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES }
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 5 5096

Introduced by Representative VICTOR A. YAP

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The State is mandated to enact measures to reduce economic inequalities and ensure the
promotion of economic opportunities for ail. Pursuant to this, the Personnel Economic Relief
Allowance (PERA) was implemented for the government to provide additional allowance to its
public servants, It was first implemented in 1991 with the intent of providing emergency
allowance to government empioyees as 2 reliet mechanism to cushion the impact of irrepressible
economic crisis on low-income and middle-income wage earners. '

In 2009, the PERA was increased from five iundred pesos (P500.00) to two thousand
pesos (P2000.00) per monti, following the changing economic conditions of the times. Indeed,
this subsidy grant has deeply enhanced the financial capacity of our ordinary civil servants
against the constant price increases of basic commodities and living expenses.

A decade has passed but the amount of the PERA subsidy has remained the same despite
the changing economic circumstances in our country. Surging inflation rates have contributed
additional economic burden to our government workers who rely on the PERA for their
supplementary monthly subsistence. Essentially, not only the increase in the amount of the
PERA is needed but also its constant adjustment for the protection and welfare of our
government workers,

Considering the above ficis and also to recognize the service our government workers
have continuously rendered for the couniry, this bill seeks to increase the PERA from two
thousand pesos (P2,000.00) to four thousand pesos (P4,000.00).

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is earnestly requeste;

September,


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES }
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No. 9096

Introduced by Representative VICTOR A. YAP

AN ACT
INCREASING TO FOUR THOUSAND PESOS (P4,000) THE MONTHLY PERSONNEL
ECONOMIC RELIEF ALLOWANCE (PERA) GRANTED TO GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES, AND PROVIDING FOR AN AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT
MECHANISM THEREOF, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
give highest priority to promote measures that reduce economic inequalities and promote
economic opportunities for all. The State shall likewise pursue the formulation of policies for the
improvement of the quality of life for its citizens, especially for government workers. Towards
this end, the State shall provide a financial relief assistance program for government workers,
both as subsidy and safeguard in times of economic uncertainties resulting in the constant

increase of living and other substantial expenses.

SEC. 2 Objectives. - The objectives of this Act shall be as follows:

(a) To increase the financial assistance to government workers;

(b) To ensure the adequate provision of financial assistance in line with the economic
changes of the times;

(c) To promote the economic security of all government workers;

(@) To recognize the significant contribution of government workers in nation-

building and public service.

SEC. 3 Increase in Monthly Alowance. - The Personne! Economic Relief Allowance
(PERA) granted to government employees is hereby increased from the present Two Thousand
Pesos (P2,000) per month to Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000) per month effective January 1, 2020


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SEC. 4 Automatic Adjustment Mechanism. - The PERA being granted to employees
of the government shall be subject to an automatic annual adjustment equivalent to any increase

of the annual inflation rate in the country.

SEC 5. Coverage. -The PERA shall be granted to civilian government personnel
whether employed by the national or local governments, appointive or elective, and whether
occupying regular, contractual, or casual positions, whose positions are covered by Republic
Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989,"
as amended, as well as to military and uniformed personnel, Provided, that government
personnel stationed abroad already receiving overseas allowances shall not be entitled to the

provisions of this Act.

SEC 6.Funding. -The funds necessary to implement the benefit herein authorized for
national government employees shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

For Local Government Units (LGUs), the benefit shall be charged against respective
local funds. Any deficiency shall be charged against the unexpended balances of CY 2019
Appropriations of LGUs which are hereby authorized to be realigned for the purpose herein.
Thereafter, the amount necessary shall be provided in their respective annual local budgets.

For Government-owned and/or ~Controlled Corporations, the benefit shall be charged

against their respective corporate funds.

SEC. 7.Jmplementing Rules and Regulations. -The Department of Budget and
Management shall issue the implementing rules and regulations not later than thirty (30) days
from the approval of this Act.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rules and regulations, or portion thereof,
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or
‘amended accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,