DBM mulls changes in grant of performance-based bonus to state workers

“DBM is really currently evaluating whether or not PBB should be continued as is, enhanced or replaced by another system,” Nograles said. (Photo: Department of Budget and Management/Facebook)

MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is looking into the possibility of retaining, enhancing or replacing the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) incentive scheme granted to government employees, a House leader said on Monday.

During the plenary debates on House Bill No. 6215 or the 2018 General Appropriations Bill, House appropriations committee chair Karlo Nograles said the DBM is “currently evaluating” if the PBB incentive system is effective in enhancing the performance of state workers.

“DBM is really currently evaluating whether or not PBB should be continued as is, enhanced or replaced by another system,” Nograles said.

Nograles said this in response to the interpellation of ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio who questioned the decrease in allocation for the PBB next year from PHP18 billion in 2017 to PHP11 billion in 2018.

Tinio pointed out that the cut in PBB allocation would also mean a fewer number of government employees who will receive the said incentive.

The PBB is a top-up bonus that is given to employees based on their performance and contributions to the accomplishment of their Department’s overall targets and commitments.

Under the PBB, units of Departments will be ranked according to their performance. The personnel within these units shall also be ranked.

The ranking of units and personnel will be based on their actual performance at the end of the year, as measured by verifiable, observable, credible, and sustainable indicators of performance.

The PBB was introduced by the previous administration to reward and encourage exemplary performance among public servants in national government.

The PBB is on top of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) current annual incentive distributed to employees across the board. The amount available for PEI bonuses will depend on savings incurred by the national government.