Higher pay sought for nurses in 2015 budget

By: Maila Ager - 10 years ago

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for higher pay for government nurses in the proposed 2015 national budget.

Cayetano noted that based on the records of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the proposed upgrading of some 4,787 entry level Nurse I positions under the 2002 Nursing Law would pose an additional P438,109,687 worth of outflow for the government per annum.

“Let us implement the provision of the law that requires the upgrading of the minimum pay for nurses to Salary Grade 15. This will only require a little over 400 million pesos from the government, and during this time of economic prosperity, we are obliged to give our nurses — who continue to be in demand worldwide — what is due them and what they have long deserved,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Cayetano then urged the executive department to consider including these additional funds in the national budget next year.

“Filipino nurses are heralded all over the world not only because of their talent and professionalism, but because of a sincere desire to help patients. It is only fair that we give them the proper compensation fit for the services they render,” he said.

The senator reiterated his full support for the implementation of Section 32 of Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as “The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002,” which mandates that the minimum base pay of nurses shall be at least Salary Grade 15.

“I would like to emphasize the need for a more efficient allocation of our country’s resources to provide decent wages for our civil servants, including our nurses,” he said.

Cayetano further noted that upgrading the base pay of Filipino nurses would prove that the Aquino administration remains true to its commitment of achieving inclusive growth throughout the country and making sure that the public’s money is not wasted on corruption.

“Now that the Philippines is experiencing vast economic development, the government should work even harder to ensure that inclusive growth is felt all over our nation,” he said.

“Ensuring the effective management of the country’s budget in such a way that would provide more Filipinos the services and wages they deserve is one way to prove to the people that we are not tolerating corruption,” the senator added.