Pangilinan lauds nurses’ pay hike: Long awaited and well-deserved

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan has lauded the administration over its decision to finally implement the long overdue wage hike for government nurses amid the ongoing health crisis brought by coronavirus pandemic.

“Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang frontliners natin ang ating mga nurses, at isa lamang ito sa maraming paraan na pinapakita natin ang suporta sa kanila ngayong pandemya,” said Pangilinan.

Pangilinan made the remarks after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a memorandum circular to finally enforce Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002—a provision that will raise the minimum monthly base pay of government nurses to Salary Grade 15 (SG-15), or P32,053 to P34,801.

“This is a welcome development. Matagal nang batas ang Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, ngunit inabot ng 18 taon para maimplement ang pagtaas ng kanilang sahod,” he said.

Government nurses will jump four salary grades from SG-11 to SG-15, increasing their incomes by as much as P10,000 per month under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL).

“Kailangan ding masigurong matanggap ng mga nurses ang back pay simula pa ng January. Delikado at nakakapagod ang serbisyong binibigay ngayon ng mga nurses dahil sa COVID. At ginagawa nila ito kahit maliit ang kita. Ginagawa nila ito dahil mahal nila ang bayan, ang kapwa Pilipino. Sila ay mga tunay na bayani,” he added.

In an effort to recognize the rights of nurses to higher pay and better working conditions, Pangilinan earlier filed Senate Bill 260 or the Comprehensive Nursing Act which will provide mechanisms toward relevant nursing practices, just and humane working conditions, and promotion of professional growth.

The bill similarly provides that the salaries of entry-level government nurses shall not be lower than SG-15.

Pangilinan’s proposal remains pending before the Senate committee on health.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)