The Palace has defended the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 203, saying it is a product of an extensive study by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in the past few years.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to improve the salaries and benefits of all government workers, including those in the Government-Owned or –Controlled Corporation (GOCC) Sector, pursuant to the objective of formulating a ‘competitive compensation and remuneration system which shall attract and retain talent’, while ensuring the financial soundness and sustainability of the GOCCs,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Contrary to the allegation of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, the implementation of Executive Order No. 203 (s. 2016) [Adopting a Compensation and Position Classification System and A General Index of Occupational Services (IOS)] is a product of an extensive and rigorous study by the Governance Commission for GOCCs since 2012.”

He noted that the development of the CPCS and IOS is part of the GCG’s primary responsibilities, as mandated by Republic Act No. 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

Executive Order 203 acts as the counterpart measure of EO 201, which implemented a modified salary schedule for civilian government personnel and authorized the grant of additional benefits for both civilian and military uniformed personnel, he said.

The TUCP has questioned the implementation of the President’s order, arguing that it favors only top executives of GOCCs and neglects ordinary workers.

The labor group is urging President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to stop the implementation of the CPCS, and instead order a review and amendment of the provision on the compensation system. PND (as)