Question & AnswerQ&A (DBM LOCAL BUDGET CIRCULAR NO. 53)
The guidelines aim to maintain the consistency and integrity of the unified Compensation and Position Classification System established pursuant to Republic Act No. 6758 and in compliance with the Constitution, administered and maintained by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The salary rates of the salary grade allocation of each position established under R.A. No. 6758 as prescribed under Section 10 thereof shall be enforced unless otherwise amended.
Devolved personnel shall retain the salary and other personnel benefits they were receiving prior to devolution. However, when the position becomes vacant, the authorized salary should conform to the local government unit's rates pursuant to applicable Joint Commission Circulars.
Their full salary, which is shouldered by the municipal government, shall be equal to those appointive local officials equated to a department head in the same municipality.
Ex-officio members in the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod receive the same salaries and emoluments as their elective counterparts. For the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, they receive basic salary and emoluments from their component city or municipality, with the province providing the salary difference to equalize compensation with other regular members.
No, such salary adjustments are not allowed and considered unauthorized. However, LGUs may implement step increments based on merit and length of service following Joint CSC-DBM Circular No. 1, s. 1990 and subject to budget limitations.
Allowances may be granted if: (1) the LGU's annual income can afford it without exceeding personal services limitations, (2) budgetary requirements including R.A. No. 6758 have been met, (3) the LGU fully implemented personnel/function devolution, (4) the LGU created mandatory positions, and (5) the national government does not grant similar allowances.
The staffing pattern must conform with the minimum standards and guidelines of the Civil Service Commission and contain position classes established under R.A. No. 6758. Any non-consistent position classes require DBM approval.
Submission must include: (i) justification for creation, (ii) accomplished Position Description Form, (iii) organizational chart, (iv) Position Allocation List by department/unit, and (v) functions of each department/unit emphasizing where the new position will be located.
The general hierarchy is: Entrance, Journeyman, Senior/Participating/Supervisor/Foreman, Supervising/General Foreman, and Chief.
The positions have specific salary grade ranges, for example, City Mayor II is from 29 to 30; City Mayor I from 28 to 30; City Vice-Mayor II from 27 to 28; Sangguniang Panlungsod Member II from 26 to 27; and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member from 26 to 27.
Pursuant to R.A. No. 7160, salary grade allocations for certain elective officials are upgraded to better reflect their responsibilities as indicated in the circular.
LGUs are responsible for implementing the guidelines, subject to correction including refund of any excess payment by employees.
Such rules and regulations are deemed modified accordingly to conform with the Circular's provisions.
The Circular took effect immediately as of September 1, 1993.