Philippines to Pilot Budget Rollout Reform to Streamline Salary Adjustments

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to pilot a system in the fourth quarter that would allow it to automatically release funds for salary deficiencies once agencies update their plantilla records. The reform aims to reduce delays in salary adjustments for public school teachers and other government workers who are promoted or reclassified. Under the current system, agencies must submit information on personnel movements and formally request additional funding. DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon said the agency is drafting a circular for the reform, which it aims to sign before the end of September. The pilot will cover the Department of Education and other national government agencies requiring additional personnel services funding. “The department intends to put the reform to an actual test in the fourth quarter, when many government agencies traditionally submit requests for personnel services deficiencies or additional funds needed to cover salaries and related personnel requirements,” the DBM said. “The reform is particularly significant for public school personnel as the government accelerates the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression System for public school teachers,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile