SENATE APPROVES BASIC SALARY INCREASE FOR NURSES; GORDON SAYS 'THEY DESERVE IT'

Through the efforts of Senator Richard J. Gordon, the Senate approved on Wednesday the basic salary increase for Filipino nurses, wherein Php 3.173 billion shall be appropriated to upgrade the salaries of Nurse I and Nurse II positions.

As he lauds the Senate for "not been sleeping on the job", Gordon stated that nurses deserve the approval to properly implement Section 32 of Republic Act 9173 or The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

The law states that the minimum base pay for nurses working in the government hospitals and health institutions should start at salary grade 15 or P31,545 per month.

"For a long time, the nurses of the country have been clamoring for the adjustment of their salaries. They are given low paying jobs with no benefits, and hospitals have taken advantage of this system in a way that these hospitals become stepping stones for nurses to work abroad," he said.

Gordon has been very supportive of the nursing sector as he recognizes its vital role to public health and realizes the need for healthcare workers in the country especially in the countryside.

Last July, he filed a bill amending Republic Act No. 9173 or The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 that proposes a new comprehensive policy for Filipino nurses that will give them opportunities to advance themselves in the nursing field while they serve the country's growing needs for healthcare professionals.

"We're so much closer to giving that justice not just to our nurses, but to our people in need of better health care," said Gordon.