Villanueva files bill to boost pay, benefits for gov’t ICT workers

Senator Joel Villanueva has filed a measure seeking to improve compensation, benefits, and professional development for government Information and Communications Technology (ICT) workers, a move aimed at retaining talent amid competition from the private sector and overseas.

Senate Bill (SB) 1914, dubbed the Magna Carta for ICT Professionals in Government, proposes an alternative compensation framework that sets minimum pay standards, exempts critical ICT positions from standard government salary grades, and grants entitlement to overtime, leave, and other benefits. 

The measure also includes provisions for housing, transportation assistance, psychological support, and coverage under the Government Service Insurance System.

“Quality ICT professionals in government will drive national progress and ensure that our Bagong Pilipinas is also a Bayang Digital,” Villanueva said, emphasizing the sector’s role in digital governance, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce expansion.

Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, Villanueva noted that the digital economy contributed 8.5% to national GDP in 2024 and employed 11.3 million workers. 

Despite this, the Philippines ranks 57th out of 112 countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index, lagging in internet affordability, infrastructure, digital security, and AI readiness.

“The data highlight the urgency of retaining competitive ICT professionals in government,” Villanueva said, noting that roughly 80% of Filipino computer professionals work abroad or in the private sector, where salaries can reach P200,000 monthly — compared to P50,000 in government.

The proposed bill also calls for the creation of ICT Scholarship and Grant Programs to support continuous professional development and strengthen the government’s digital capabilities.

“Behind every functioning government website, digital ID system, online tax portal, and cybersecurity defense are skilled ICT workers whose expertise keeps public services running,” Villanueva said.

He stressed the country’s “digital transformation cannot succeed without digital talent.”

“The message is clear: we need tech experts in government to ensure the success of our digital transformation,” he added.