Amid rising fuel and food costs, House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) are calling on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to increase the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for government workers from P2,000 to P5,000.
Tinio said the allowance has remained unchanged since 2009, despite years of rising living expenses, leaving teachers and other public sector employees struggling to cope with daily costs.
“It’s already 2026, yet PERA is still at P2,000. Government workers cannot afford to wait any longer. The increase should be implemented now,” he said, pointing to the ongoing energy crisis and the continued surge in prices of basic commodities.
He stressed that the timing is critical, as teachers and government employees are among those most affected by higher fuel prices and the increasing cost of essential goods.
During discussions with budget officials, DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo acknowledged the financial implications of a possible increase, noting that around P23 billion would be needed to raise PERA by P1,000 across the bureaucracy. The agency, he said, is studying whether adjustments can be included in the proposed 2027 national budget.
Tinio questioned the government’s priorities, arguing that if funds can be allocated for other programs, similar support should be extended to frontline public servants.
“If the government is serious about providing economic relief, it should not delay assistance based on when it finds fiscal space. A meaningful increase in PERA must be acted on immediately, with the goal of reaching P5,000,” he added.
The teachers’ group also reported gathering around 26,000 signatures in support of the proposed increase, reflecting what it described as growing frustration among educators and state workers.
Tinio reiterated the appeal for urgent action, saying relief measures should not be postponed while prices continue to climb.