Senator Joel Villanueva is pushing for the passage of the Magna Carta for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Professionals in Government under Senate Bill No. 1914 to improve pay, benefits, and career growth for government ICT workers.
The proposed measure seeks to establish a competitive compensation framework, including minimum pay standards and exemption of critical ICT posts from standard salary grades, subject to approval by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management.
It also provides overtime and leave benefits, full Government Service Insurance System coverage, housing and transport assistance, psychological support, and ICT scholarship and grant programs.
Villanueva said the bill aims to curb the “brain drain,” noting that about 80% of Filipino computer professionals work abroad or in the private sector due to higher pay.
ICT workers overseas or in private firms can earn P200,000 or more monthly, while those in government receive an average of P50,000 per month.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, he said the digital economy contributed 8.5% to GDP in 2024 and employed 11.3 million workers. However, the country ranked 57th out of 112 nations in the Digital Quality of Life Index, below average in internet affordability, quality, infrastructure, digital security, and AI readiness.
“This measure is not just about improving salaries, it is about institutionalizing long-term support systems that will build a resilient, highly-skilled, and motivated workforce within government,” the senator said.
Villanueva added that ICT professionals are the backbone of government websites, digital ID systems, online tax portals, and cybersecurity defenses.
“Our digital transformation cannot succeed without digital talent. The message is clear: we need tech experts in government,” he said.IMT
