Lawmakers Push for Higher Minimum Salary for Public School Teachers
MANILA, Philippines — A new bill aiming to raise the minimum salary of public school teachers to P50,000 has been refiled in the House of Representatives. The proposed increase, part of efforts to support educators, seeks to raise the entry-level pay from the current P27,000 to P50,000, aligning with salary grade 15 under the Salary Standardization Law.
Led by ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, the Makabayan bloc introduced House Bill 203 on Tuesday. This bill is among their top priorities for the 20th Congress, aiming to address the growing gap between teachers’ wages and the rising cost of living. The lawmakers highlighted the need to correct the imbalance caused by recent salary hikes for military and uniformed personnel.
Closing the Gap Between Salaries and Cost of Living
According to the bill’s document, the proposal not only increases the baseline salary but also includes provisions for annual salary adjustments to keep pace with inflation. It mandates the Department of Budget and Management to collaborate with public sector unions in recommending the necessary funding to Congress.
The measure also reflects wider calls for substantial wage increases across the civilian bureaucracy and the private sector, emphasizing fairness for all workers. If passed, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Budget and Management would be responsible for consulting with teachers’ unions and crafting the implementing rules and regulations.
Past Efforts and Continuing Challenges
This is not the first time such a proposal has been brought forward. In February last year, former ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro filed a similar bill addressing the salary struggles of public school educators. At that time, she noted many teachers sought work abroad due to insufficient pay, especially amid rising fuel prices and commodity costs during the pandemic.
Since October 2023, the ACT Teachers party-list has consistently pushed for the P50,000 minimum salary for entry-level teachers. Beyond salary, educators are also calling for free medical checkups, increased instructional allowances, compensation for teaching overload, and solutions to shortages in school facilities and resources.
Teacher Workload and Compensation Concerns
Teachers often manage an average of 50 students per class, a workload that has remained heavy. The proposed salary hike aims to recognize their dedication and help retain skilled educators in the country. Local leaders noted that improving teachers’ compensation is crucial to boosting the quality of education nationwide.
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