Salary Grade 27 Philippines: Complete Guide for 2025 Government Employees

Based on the official 2025 Salary Grade Table (Second Tranche), government employees under Salary Grade 27 can expect the following monthly compensation across all eight steps:

This represents a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating the government's effort to provide competitive compensation packages for high-ranking public servants who shoulder substantial responsibilities in governance and public administration.

Several key executive positions in the Philippine government fall under Salary Grade 27, including:

1. Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue - A high-ranking position within the Bureau of Internal Revenue responsible for assisting in the formulation and implementation of tax policies and collection strategies.
2. Director IV - The highest director-level position in national government agencies, typically heading major bureaus or services within departments.
3. Department Manager IV - Senior management position in government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs).
4. Regional Director (Special Class) - Heads regional offices of major government agencies with expanded jurisdictions or special classifications.
5. Medical Center Chief II - Leads major government medical centers and hospitals with comprehensive facilities and services.
6. University/College President III - Heads large state universities and colleges with extensive academic programs and significant student populations.
7. Schools Division Superintendent II - Manages large or complex educational divisions under the Department of Education.

These positions involve strategic leadership, policy direction, and oversight of significant operational components within their respective agencies or institutions.

To qualify for a Salary Grade 27 position in the Philippine government, candidates typically need to meet the following stringent requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• Master's degree relevant to the position is mandatory
• Doctorate degree is often preferred or required for specialized positions
• Professional licenses for specific fields (e.g., law, medicine, engineering)

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant managerial experience
• Progressive leadership responsibilities in related fields
• Demonstrated expertise in policy formulation, strategic planning, and program implementation
• Track record of successful management of complex organizations or programs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) eligibility is typically required
• For specialized positions, relevant professional licenses or certifications
• For some positions, passing specialized government examinations or assessments 2

Other Qualifications:

• Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Superior communication and interpersonal abilities
• Advanced strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Proven track record in public service excellence
• Strong network within government and relevant stakeholders

Understanding how Salary Grade 27 compares to adjacent grades helps contextualize its position in the government compensation structure:

This comparison shows that the jump from SG 26 to SG 27 represents an increase of approximately PHP 16,411 at Step 1, while the difference between SG 27 and SG 28 is about PHP 17,806. These significant increments reflect the increasing levels of responsibility, complexity, and authority required at each successive grade level.

Government employees at Salary Grade 27 fall within the highest income tax brackets in the Philippines. Under the current tax structure (TRAIN Law and CREATE Act), the following considerations apply:

• Income tax rate: Falls within the 32-35% tax bracket
• Mandatory deductions include:

For example, a government employee at SG 27, Step 1 (PHP 142,663 monthly) might expect approximately 40-45% of their gross salary to go toward taxes and mandatory deductions, resulting in an estimated take-home pay of around PHP 78,000-85,000 monthly, depending on additional factors like dependents, loans, and other applicable deductions.

Beyond the basic salary, SG 27 government officials are entitled to various benefits and allowances that significantly enhance their total compensation package:

Standard Benefits:

• 13th month pay (mandatory)
• Mid-year bonus equivalent to one month's salary
• Year-end bonus equivalent to one month's salary
• Cash gift (typically PHP 5,000 annually)
• Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI)
• Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), subject to agency performance

Special Allowances:

• Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA) - Significantly higher than lower salary grades
• Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA)
• Additional Compensation (AdCom) for certain agencies
• Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expenses (EME) allowance
• Communication allowance
• Hazard pay (for applicable positions)
• Clothing/uniform allowance

Leave Benefits:

• 15 days vacation leave (cumulative and convertible to cash)
• 15 days sick leave (cumulative and convertible to cash)
• Special leave privileges (3 days)
• Maternity/paternity leave as applicable
• Special leave benefits for women under RA 9710
• Terminal leave benefits upon retirement

Healthcare and Insurance:

• Enhanced GSIS life insurance coverage
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage through PhilHealth
• Optional additional insurance programs
• Medical allowance or reimbursement for certain positions

For those holding Salary Grade 27 positions, career advancement typically follows these paths:

Vertical Progression:

• Advancement to Salary Grade 28-29 positions (Assistant Secretary, Bureau Commissioner)
• Potential appointment to Undersecretary positions (SG 30)
• For specialized fields, advancement to head specialized agencies or bureaus
• Potential appointment to Cabinet-level positions

Horizontal Opportunities:

• Transfer to equivalent positions in other government agencies
• Appointment to boards of government corporations
• Secondment to international organizations or diplomatic posts
• Special assignments to high-level inter-agency task forces or committees
• Appointment as special envoy or representative for specific initiatives

Professional Development:

• Executive development programs through the Development Academy of the Philippines
• International training and fellowship opportunities
• Advanced certifications and continuing education
• Speaking engagements and academic opportunities
• Participation in international conferences and forums

To illustrate the typical career progression to a Salary Grade 27 position, consider the case of Attorney Maria Santos (hypothetical):

1. Early Career: Started as a Legal Officer III (SG 18) at a government agency after passing the bar examination.
2. Mid-Career: Promoted to Division Chief (SG 22) after obtaining a master's degree in Public Administration and demonstrating exceptional performance.
3. Senior Management: Advanced to Director II (SG 24) after gaining CESO eligibility and showing leadership in policy reform initiatives.
4. Executive Level: Promoted to Director IV (SG 27) after completing her doctorate in Governance Studies and successfully leading a major organizational transformation project.

This progression typically spans 15-20 years of government service, highlighting the substantial experience and continuous professional development required to reach SG 27 positions.

Salary Grade 27 represents a significant achievement in the Philippine government service career ladder. With monthly compensation ranging from PHP 142,663 to PHP 159,054 in 2025, these positions offer attractive remuneration packages commensurate with their substantial responsibilities and requirements.

For professionals seeking stable, well-compensated careers with opportunities to influence public policy and governance at the highest levels, SG 27 positions provide an excellent path. While the qualifications and competition for these roles are demanding, the comprehensive benefits, career growth opportunities, and chance to make meaningful contributions to public service make them worthwhile aspirations for career-minded individuals.

The journey to an SG 27 position requires dedication to continuous professional development, excellence in performance, and strategic career planning. However, for those who achieve these prestigious positions, the rewards extend beyond financial compensation to include the opportunity to shape national policies and programs that impact millions of Filipinos.