The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) anticipates a significant development in its compensation system as the Governance Commission commits to issuing an Authority to Implement the agency’s new Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS). PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco, revealed that this commitment was established during a meeting held late last year between the Governance Commission and PAGCOR’s Compliance Department and Human Resources and Development Group.
Background:
PAGCOR’s journey towards salary alignment with other government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) has been marked by a series of events. The Governance Commission initially mandated a reorganization, rationalization, and personnel planning in 2015 as a prerequisite for approving any reorganization and pay increase for employees. President Benigno Aquino III subsequently issued an Executive Order adopting the CPCS for all GOCCs, including PAGCOR. However, this adoption was later suspended under President Rodrigo Duterte, who granted GOCCs the option to choose between a modified salary structure and retaining their existing compensation framework. PAGCOR chose the latter.
Reinstatement of CPCS:
The CPCS was reinstated in 2021 by President Duterte. PAGCOR, under the leadership of Chairman Tengco, completed the submission, only to discover that the creation of a new E-Sabong Licensing Department, among other departments, had taken place without the necessary authorization. This unauthorized action caused a delay in the approval of the CPCS.
Chairman Tengco’s Initiative:
Upon assuming the helm of PAGCOR in August 2022, Chairman Tengco promptly inquired about the status of the agency’s CPCS. Recognizing the importance of aligning employee salaries with the government standards, he initiated discussions with the Governance Commission to secure the approval of the CPCS.
Current Developments:
PAGCOR received communication from the Commission in December, outlining its plans to issue an Authority to Implement. This development signals a step forward in the long-awaited alignment of PAGCOR employee salaries with those of other GOCCs.
Anticipated Benefits:
The implementation of the CPCS is expected to bring about several benefits for PAGCOR employees. Aligning salaries with government standards ensures fair compensation, boosting employee morale and productivity. Moreover, standardization across GOCCs promotes equity and transparency in the public sector.
As PAGCOR eagerly awaits the issuance of the Authority to Implement the new Compensation and Position Classification System, the prospect of aligned salaries for its employees becomes increasingly tangible. This step holds the promise of not only bringing PAGCOR in line with government standards but also fostering a more equitable and transparent compensation framework across government-owned and controlled corporations.