“We owe public workers a raise”

Q: On the proposed Salary Standardization Law 2015

SPFMD: It’s something we owe to our government workers to have it passed before the year is over. Dahilan po may P50.7 billion na appropriation sa ating 2016 National Budget, but this cannot be implemented unless the bill on the Salary Standardization Law is passed.

Q: So ito ay certified as urgent ng Malacanang?

SPFMD:  It will be certified as urgent once we have it on the floor.

Q: So under the 2016 budget, may naka-incorporate na budget na for that?

SPFMD:  Sa 2016 budget, there is. Mayroon na pong P50.7 billion na naka-allocate sa 2016 budget para po sa Salary Standardization Law 2015 at itong panukalang batas na ating fi-nile together with Senator Legarda is the implementing law that will define kung magkano talaga ang i-increase ng bawat position.

Q:  Sabi po ni Senator Sonny Angara, masasayang lang daw iyan kung walang tax reform, dahil mas malaki ang sweldo, mas malaki rin ang tax bracket.

SPFMD: Yeah, I concur with Senator Angara.

Q: Paano yun? Hindi dapat mauna  yung proposed tax reform?

SPFMD: At this point, ang aking pinag-aaralan ay yung pong Salary Standardization Law 2015.

Q: So before the year ends, kaya po ito mapasa?

SPFMD: Yes, kakayanin po namin. May puwang naman doon sa budget debates eh. Once the budget is approved on third reading in the Senate, then we expect that in the first week of December then we can put the SSL on the floor.

Q:  So sir, pag naprub, kelan magiging effective yang SSL?  

SPFMD: January 1 next year. Because that is the effectivity of the 2016 budget.

Q:  Do you support the motion of Minority Leader Senator Juan Ponce Enrile na ibalik sa committee level at magkaroon ng re-investigation doon sa Mamasapano?  

SPFMD: The chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs expressed no objection, but we are looking at Section 32 as requested by Senator Poe in the last session.

Q: Do you still have time for that?

SPFMD: I don’t know. At this point, I do not know the timeframe that is being considered. ###