Mayor Salary in the Philippines [Updated: 2025]

As you know, Cebu City’s mayor makes ₱204,054 per month, which is a figure set by the Salary Standardization Law of 2019. This law was designed to attract skilled individuals to public service.

There are differences in mayor salaries across different regions and city classifications in the Philippines, raising questions about equity, performance, and the attractiveness of these roles for less wealthy citizens.

We should examine why these differences exist and what implications they have for local governance.

Takeaways from the presentation

On the basis of Salary Standardization Law V, mayor salaries in the Philippines range from ₱185,695 to ₱204,054.
Economic conditions and local legislative changes affect the salaries of different income classes and regions in cities.
Among the benefits are healthcare coverage, insurance coverage, travel allowances, and retirement pensions.
In order to ensure fiscal responsibility, acting mayors receive compensation from the mayor’s salary.

Structure Of Mayor Salary in the Philippines

According to the Salary Standardization Law V and specific salary grades, the salary range of a City Mayor in the Philippines ranges from ₱185,695 to ₱204,054.

Mayors receive a salary within this range that includes not only their basic pay, but also perks like 13th-month pay and a mid-year bonus to help supplement their income.

As a government employee, you should understand that your salary is fixed throughout your term, and protected by regulations that prevent any changes unless amendments to the law or new ordinances are passed.

Salaries and the Legal Framework

As Mayor, you’ll earn a salary determined by an ordinance passed by the Council. This legal framework ensures that your compensation is based on a clear, structured process.

The Council determines your salary grade based on your experience.
The salary grade must be adjusted through a new ordinance.
There are no mid-term increases for your salary once it has been set.
Vice Mayors are paid from your salary if they take over as acting mayors.

Your earnings are transparent and regulated through this system, so you can expect a stable financial future.

Classification of income and its impact

It is crucial to understand how the income classification of your city or municipality directly affects your salary as mayor. The Philippine government categorizes cities and municipalities based on their annual income. An important factor in determining a mayor’s salary is his or her classification.

There is a significant influence on mayors’ salaries based on their respective local government units’ income classifications. You’re more likely to earn more as a mayor if you live in a city or municipality that has a higher income than those who live in low-income areas. Using this system, your salary is aligned with the economic status of the area you serve, ensuring that it reflects the financial capability of the area.

Variations in regional salaries

As you explore further, you will discover that mayors’ salaries vary by region, reflecting local economic conditions. Here is how regional salary variations affect a mayor’s compensation:

The higher the city’s annual income, the higher the mayor’s salary.
Because of the increased complexity and responsibilities of managing more people, mayors in larger cities tend to earn higher salaries.
A mayor in a highly urbanized city receives a higher salary than a mayor in a component city or municipality.
These variations are further influenced by Local Government Code of 1991 and Regional Salary Standardization Laws, which ensure salaries are adjusted accordingly.

In the Philippines, mayors are paid differently according to these factors.

Compensation for the Cebu City Mayor

Besides the basic salary of ₱1,204,054, the Cebu City Mayor is also entitled to a range of allowances and benefits. They earn a monthly salary of ₱12,949, a 10% raise from 2009.

Taking a look at how these financial perks are structured and what they entail, let’s see what they entail.

A brief overview of salaries

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know about Cebu City Mayor’s salary, set by the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

The Mayor is paid according to salary grade 30, which aligns with the government’s pay scale.
Compensation remains stable throughout their tenure, ensuring financial stability.
Changing the salary of the Mayor requires a new ordinance, which ensures transparency and legality.
A Vice Mayor’s salary is the same as the Mayor’s, ensuring fairness and continuity in governance when they assume mayoral duties.

Due to the significant responsibilities carried by the Mayor, this compensation arrangement ensures a fair and balanced compensation.

Amounts of additional allowances

Mayors of Cebu City receive additional allowances such as Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA) to assist them in carrying out their responsibilities. They receive this RATA as part of their compensation for representing the city and meeting its transportation needs, not just as a bonus.

These allowances are provided in addition to the mayor’s monthly salary to ensure they’re well-equipped to do the job. The allowances are common in government positions to assist officials in performing their duties without financial burdens.

Cebu City Mayors benefit from additional benefits, including RATA, which helps them focus on serving their communities.

Benefit Packages

It’s not just about the paycheck for Cebu City Mayors; they receive comprehensive benefits designed to support their well-being and effectiveness. Below are some additional details on the salary standardization law of 2019:

There is a salary grade of 30 for the Mayor, which ensures that they are compensated competitively.
A salary increase requires approval from the Council, ensuring a competitive salary.
In the Vice Mayor’s absence, the Mayor’s salary is received by the Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayors serving as Mayors receive their compensation deducted from their salaries, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

In Cebu City, these benefits contribute significantly to maintaining high leadership standards.

Comparison of mayors from cities and municipalities

Mayors of cities, such as those of Cebu City, earn more than mayors of municipalities, reflecting their different roles and responsibilities. A city mayor gets about ₱185,695 a month, while municipality mayors in Metro Manila earn ₱145,427 a month. The salaries of guiding towns outside the capital city are slightly less, with salaries averaging ₱128,696.

There is no reason for this variance. It is a reflection of the different responsibilities and economic landscapes that these leaders negotiate. President Rodrigo, among other leaders, influenced the Salary Standardization Law to align government salaries with specific salary grades. Structured compensation is the best way to ensure that an employee’s compensation matches his or her responsibilities and complexity.

A historical analysis of salary trends

Since the implementation of the Salary Standardization Law V and legislative mandates, mayors’ salaries have gradually increased in the Philippines. As a result of this structured approach, mayors’ salaries remain competitive and reflective of their responsibilities.

These trends are influenced by the following factors:

Salary adjustments are directly affected by legislative changes.
This law provides a framework for systematic salary increases.
A periodic review of salaries is required to ensure that they remain relevant to the current economic environment.
Salary increases are influenced by government policies in a number of ways.

Together, these components ensure that a mayor’s salary is in line with their evolving duties and responsibilities.

Salary plus benefits

You should look beyond their basic salary when exploring mayors’ compensation packages in the Philippines. They also receive health insurance and travel allowances, as well as retirement pension plans.

As a result, their overall compensation is significantly more attractive and competitive.

Health Insurance and Healthcare

Health insurance and comprehensive healthcare benefits ensure the well-being and financial security of mayors in the Philippines. They receive a comprehensive compensation package that not only supports their physical health, but also provides a safety net that increases their job satisfaction and performance.

Here’s what you’re seeing:

Coverage for minor and major medical concerns.
You can never neglect your oral health with dental insurance.
Families and mayors can benefit from life insurance.
These benefits help attract and retain competent public servants.

As an integral part of the support system for mayors across the country, these coverage options play a crucial role.

Expenses associated with official travel

The Philippines’ mayors also receive official travel allowances to cover the costs of work-related travels. Travel allowances are not part of your basic salary; they’re specifically designed to assist you with your duties as an official.

Local government budgets and policies determine how much money will be allocated for these allowances. However, rest assured that every penny is accounted for. In order to use these funds, you will need to follow a proper process, including documentation and approval.

By using this system, officials like you are able to ensure transparency and accountability.

Pension plans for retirement

Once your term as mayor concludes, your retirement pension plan will offer financial security and benefits that extend far beyond your basic salary. Here are the details:

Your pension is intended to provide a steady income during your retirement after your mayoral term ends.
You can expect a pension amount to vary based on the length of time you have worked, your salary grade, and the applicable retirement laws.
As part of your pension, you might receive a percentage of your average salary over the past few years.
Providing a reliable income post-retirement honors your contribution as a mayor and recognizes your service.

Law V on Salary Standardization

The Salary Standardization Law V, implemented in stages between 2020 and 2023, aims to incrementally adjust the salaries of government employees including mayors in the Philippines. It is structured in four tranches to ensure gradual and sustainable salary increases for government employees.

Additionally, the law offers bonuses such as the 13th-month pay, mid-year bonus, and Performance-Based Bonus (PBB). Longevity pay rewards continuous satisfactory service, further motivating employees.

There are, however, a number of conditions that must be met in order to qualify for bonuses such as the Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA) or the Cash Gift, including the position held, salary grade, and the agency’s budgetary constraints.

Criticisms and challenges

Perhaps you’re wondering why mayors’ salaries are generating a lot of buzz in the Philippines.

There are a number of hot topics in the news right now, including salary transparency, regional disparities, and public perception.

Local government officials are faced with complex challenges and criticisms when it comes to their compensation.

Transparency issues regarding salaries

Salaries transparency issues in the Philippines have sparked critiques and concerns, highlighting the need for a clearer disclosure of salaries to restore public trust. In this regard, the Department of Budget plays an important role, but challenges persist.

There is a big discrepancy between the incomes and lifestyles of politicians, compared to their reported wealth.
The public is distrustful of the government because of discrepancies.
Corruption suspicions are raised when assets and income are reported inconsistently.
The integrity of the system depends on a comprehensive disclosure mechanism.

The Philippines must address these transparency challenges with clear, consistent reporting, as well as mechanisms to verify politicians’ income and assets in order to foster trust, promote accountability, and maintain public service integrity.

Regional disparities in comparison

A complex tapestry of economic conditions and local budgetary capabilities is reflected in differences in mayor salaries across the Philippines.

There’s no justification for mayors in bustling urban centers like Metro Manila to pocket more than those in quieter, rural areas. Several factors play a role, including the cost of living, a region’s ability to generate revenue, and even its population size.

A place that has more resources and a higher income often offers its government officials, including the mayor, a better compensation package. The gap needs to be bridged, ensuring all officials are treated fairly and motivated to govern effectively, regardless of where they are based.

Perception by the public

In the Philippines, debates rage over whether mayors earn too much or too little for their work. The public’s perception of politicians’ salaries is polarized:

Public officials are alleged to receive inadequate compensation given their heavy responsibilities.
There are concerns about mayors passing lifestyle checks on their official salaries.
It is currently being discussed whether politicians’ salaries are adequate to serve the public interest.
Debates about these salaries continue to be influenced by intense public scrutiny.

As a public official, you play a key role in society that is multifaceted and rooted in values.

Conclusion

This concludes your tour of Philippine mayoral compensation, from its legal framework to the variances based on geography and city class. With the Salary Standardization Law V guiding public servants in the Philippines, they face their own unique challenges, as Odysseus did in Ithaca.

To attract the best talent to steer the ship of governance, this law ensures that their voyage is fairly compensated. However, as with any journey, the path forward is criticized and celebrated simultaneously.