The Philippine government’s Second Tranche of the Salary Standardization Law of 2019 (SSL VI) takes effect on January 1, 2025, bringing higher salary rates and expanded benefits for over 1.7 million public sector workers. This includes teachers, healthcare workers, administrative personnel, and other civilian employees.
Under Republic Act No. 11466, this four-year salary adjustment program (2024–2027) aims to address wage disparities and ensure fair, gradual increases. In this 2025 tranche, lower salary grades will receive higher percentage increases, reflecting the government’s commitment to equitable compensation.
Overview of the Salary Adjustment Program
The SSL VI reform standardizes pay scales across the public sector using Salary Grades (SGs) and step levels. Increases are implemented across four annual tranches;
| Tranche | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Tranche 1 | January 1, 2024 |
| Tranche 2 | January 1, 2025 |
| Tranche 3 | January 1, 2026 |
| Tranche 4 | January 1, 2027 |
This phased rollout ensures budgetary sustainability while steadily improving the compensation of government employees.
Revised Salary Pay Scale (2025)
The Second Tranche features modest but meaningful increases. Here’s a sample comparison of monthly basic salaries:
| Salary Grade (SG) | 2024 Monthly Salary | 2025 Monthly Salary | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG 1 | ₱13,000 | ₱13,780 | 6.00% |
| SG 5 | ₱16,200 | ₱17,170 | 6.00% |
| SG 10 | ₱20,580 | ₱21,820 | 6.03% |
| SG 20 | ₱53,290 | ₱56,280 | 5.62% |
| SG 30 | ₱184,190 | ₱192,480 | 4.50% |
Average Increase by Job Classification
The salary hike percentage varies by position category. Here’s how it compares with the 2024 tranche:
| Position Category | Tranche 1 (2024) | Tranche 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Professional (SG 1–10) | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Professional (SG 11–24) | 4.88% | 4.67% |
| Managerial (SG 25–28) | 4.34% | 4.90% |
| Executives (SG 29–31) | 3.42% | 4.67% |
| Top Leaders (SG 32–33) | 2.38% | 4.67% |
This structure ensures more substantial increases for lower-paid employees, addressing long-standing wage inequalities in the public service.
Who is Covered Under SSL VI?
The Second Tranche of SSL VI applies to:
• Civilian employees in Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches
• Constitutional bodies such as COA, CSC, and Ombudsman
• Employees of LGUs and GOCCs (unless exempted by law)
Note: Uniformed personnel (military, police, etc.) are under a separate compensation system.
Additional Benefits for Government Employees (2025)
In addition to basic pay increases, government employees enjoy the following:
• ₱7,000 Annual Medical Allowance – To cover healthcare-related costs
• ₱7,000 Uniform or Clothing Allowance – Provided yearly for appropriate work attire
• Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) – Based on individual and agency performance
• Midyear and Year-End Bonuses – Equal to one month’s basic salary each
• Hazard Pay and Special Risk Allowance – For eligible frontline or critical duty roles
Fact Check: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Claim: All employees will get a 23.24% salary hike in 2025
❌ False: That increase applied to Tranche 4 (2027) projections. In 2025, increases range from 4% to 8%, depending on salary grade.
Claim: SSL VI ends in 2024
❌ False: The program runs from 2024 to 2027, with four tranches of scheduled increases.
Claim: Only high-ranking officials benefit from salary hikes
❌ False: Sub-professional and professional categories (SG 1–24) are receiving some of the highest percentage increases, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
FAQs
Q: When will the Second Tranche salary increase take effect?
A: The salary increase will be implemented on January 1, 2025.
Q: Who is eligible under the Second Tranche of SSL VI?
A: All civilian employees of national agencies, LGUs, and GOCCs (unless exempted by law).
Q: Will uniformed personnel receive the same increases?
A: No, they have a separate salary structure under their laws.
Q: Are bonuses included in the SSL pay hike?
A: No. Bonuses are additional benefits separate from basic salary increases under SSL VI.
Q: How much will a government employee in SG 10 earn in 2025?
A: Approximately ₱21,820, up from ₱20,580 in 2024.
Conclusion
The Second Tranche of SSL VI, effective January 1, 2025, marks a significant step toward fair compensation for all government employees. With structured salary adjustments, expanded benefits, and consistent government backing, this reform supports both employee welfare and public sector performance.
Government employees are encouraged to review the updated salary tables and consult their HR offices for personalized breakdowns.
Sources & References:
• DBM Official Website
• Republic Act No. 11466 – SSL VI
• Civil Service Commission – Salary Grade Tables