Salary Grade 28 Philippines: Ultimate Guide for 2025 Government Executives

Based on the official 2025 Salary Grade Table (Second Tranche), government employees under Salary Grade 28 can expect the following monthly compensation across all eight steps:

This represents a substantial increase from previous years, reflecting the government's commitment to providing competitive compensation packages for high-level executives who shoulder significant responsibilities in public administration and governance.

Several key executive positions in the Philippine government fall under Salary Grade 28, including:

1. Bureau Commissioner - Heads major bureaus within departments, responsible for overall policy implementation and operational excellence of their respective agencies.
2. Assistant Secretary - Works directly under a Department Secretary, often overseeing specific sectors or divisions within a department.
3. Regional Director (Special) - Leads regional operations of major government agencies with expanded jurisdictions or special classifications.
4. Executive Director II - Manages specialized government agencies, commissions, or councils with national scope.
5. Deputy Director-General - Serves as second-in-command in government agencies led by a Director-General.
6. University President IV - Heads major state universities with extensive academic programs, research initiatives, and significant student populations.
7. Chief of Medical Professional Staff - Oversees medical services and professional staff in major government medical centers.

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 28 position in the Philippine government, candidates must meet exceptionally stringent requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• Master's degree is mandatory, often in fields directly relevant to the position
• Doctorate degree is frequently preferred or required
• Specialized training and certifications in leadership, management, and relevant technical fields

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of relevant professional experience
• At least 5-7 years in a senior management position (typically SG 24-27)
• Demonstrated track record of successful leadership of complex organizations or programs
• Experience in policy formulation and strategic planning at national level

Eligibility Requirements:

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

Other Qualifications:

• Superior leadership and management skills
• Exceptional strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• Strong network within government and relevant stakeholders
• Proven track record of integrity and ethical conduct

Understanding how Salary Grade 28 compares to adjacent grades helps contextualize its position in the government compensation structure:

This comparison shows that the jump from SG 27 to SG 28 represents an increase of approximately PHP 17,806 at Step 1, while the difference between SG 28 and SG 29 is about PHP 20,023. These significant increments reflect the increasing levels of responsibility, complexity, and authority required at each successive grade level.

Government employees at Salary Grade 28 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 35% tax bracket for the highest income earners
• Mandatory deductions include:

For example, a government official at SG 28, Step 1 (PHP 160,469 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 88,000-96,000 monthly, depending on additional factors like dependents, loans, and other applicable deductions.

Beyond the basic salary, SG 28 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
• Transportation allowance
• Housing allowance (for certain positions)

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 28 positions, career advancement typically follows these paths:

Vertical Progression:

• Advancement to Salary Grade 29-30 positions (Undersecretary, Commission Secretary)
• Potential appointment to Department Secretary positions (SG 31)
• For specialized fields, appointment as head of constitutional bodies or commissions
• Potential appointment to Cabinet-level positions

Horizontal Opportunities:

• Transfer to equivalent positions in other government agencies
• Appointment to boards of government corporations and financial institutions
• 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 28 position, consider the case of Dr. Antonio Reyes (hypothetical):

1. Early Career: Started as a Division Chief (SG 24) at a government agency after completing his doctorate and gaining extensive experience in the private sector.
2. Mid-Career: Promoted to Director IV (SG 27) after obtaining CESO eligibility and demonstrating exceptional leadership in policy reform initiatives.
3. Executive Level: Appointed as Assistant Secretary (SG 28) after successfully leading a major organizational transformation project and establishing a strong network within the government.

This progression typically spans 15-20 years of government service, highlighting the substantial experience and continuous professional development required to reach SG 28 positions.

Financial Planning:

• Despite the high gross salary, officials should carefully plan for retirement due to the significant tax burden
• Consider maximizing GSIS contributions and exploring additional investment options
• Plan for potential post-retirement consultancy work or board memberships

Work-Life Balance:

• SG 28 positions typically involve demanding schedules and high-pressure responsibilities
• Develop effective delegation strategies and time management skills
• Utilize leave benefits strategically to prevent burnout

Professional Network:

• Cultivate relationships with peers across government agencies
• Maintain connections with academic institutions and professional organizations
• Develop mentoring relationships with promising subordinates

Officials at the SG 28 level play a crucial role in shaping and implementing government policies and programs. Their decisions and leadership directly impact:

1. Policy Implementation: Translating broad policy directives from the Cabinet level into actionable plans and programs.
2. Organizational Efficiency: Ensuring that government agencies operate efficiently and effectively in delivering public services.
3. Resource Allocation: Making critical decisions about how government resources are allocated and utilized.
4. Innovation in Public Service: Driving innovation and modernization initiatives within their respective agencies.
5. Institutional Memory: Providing continuity and institutional knowledge across different administrations.

Their substantial compensation reflects not only their personal qualifications and experience but also the significant responsibilities they bear in ensuring good governance and effective public service delivery.

Salary Grade 28 represents a significant achievement in the Philippine government service career ladder. With monthly compensation ranging from PHP 160,469 to PHP 178,572 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 28 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 28 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.