Senate Bill No. 74 aims to double the monthly Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for all government workers. Right now, each civil servant gets ₱2,000 every month. If this bill passes, they will get ₱4,000 instead. This jump from ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 is meant to help workers handle higher prices for food, transport, and bills.
Why the ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 Increase Matters
- Prices for rice, vegetables, and fuel have risen more than 20 percent in five years.
- Doubling PERA gives families more breathing room in their budgets.
- A larger allowance shows respect for teachers, nurses, clerks, and other public servants.
A change from ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 could make daily life much easier for millions of workers.
How the ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 Rise Helps
- More money for groceries each month
- A small safety net for emergencies like medicine or repairs
- Extra cash to spend in local shops, boosting nearby businesses
By moving from ₱2,000 to ₱4,000, each worker gains an extra ₱2,000 every month. Over a year, that adds up to ₱24,000 more in take-home allowance.
A Simple Story from a Teacher
My aunt is a public school teacher in a small town. She uses her ₱2,000 PERA to buy materials for her class and to pay for fuel when she visits her students at home. Last year, her old motorcycle needed a new tire and chain. She spent almost all her PERA just to fix it. Because of that, she skipped buying new books for her students. If her PERA were ₱4,000 instead of ₱2,000, she could have fixed her bike and still bought those books.
How the Bill Moves Forward
- First reading in the Senate
- Committee review and public hearings
- Second reading for debate and changes
- Third reading for final vote
- Approval by the House of Representatives
- President signs it, and the law starts 30 days after publication
If all goes smoothly, the new ₱4,000 rate could take effect within a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets the extra ₱2,000?
Every government employee, from entry-level workers to top officials.
When does the new rate start?
Thirty days after the President signs the bill and it is published.
Does the jump affect taxes or social security?
No. PERA is not taxed and does not change social security contributions.
What about other allowances?
This bill only changes PERA. Other fixed allowances stay the same.
Could private-sector workers ask for similar raises?
Possibly. Seeing the government double PERA might lead to talks about cost-of-living raises in private companies.
The move from ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 in PERA is a clear step to ease rising living costs for public servants. It gives teachers and other workers an extra ₱2,000 each month and shows they are valued. If you work in public service, share your views. If you believe in fair pay, share this article with friends and family.
