Teachers seek P10,000 salary increase

MANILA, Philippines – Public school teachers are asking the Duterte administration to push for legislation that will grant them a P10,000 per month across-the-board salary increase.

Benjo Basas, national chairman of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), yesterday said the salary that public school teachers currently receive does not match the cost of living in the country.

Following the signing of the first tranche of salary increase for government employees by former president Benigno Aquino III earlier this year, Basas said entry-level teachers now receive a little over P19,000 per month.

Teachers still need an increase of P10,000 to be able to fully sustain their needs and that of their families, Basas noted.

Basas said legislation is necessary for such a salary increase, as he urged the administration to support the pay hike.

President Duterte’s previous statements indicate he recognized the low pay that teachers receive.

The TDC also urged Education Secretary Leonor Briones to ensure the implementation of the economic provisions of the 50-year-old Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, which include additional compensation such as overtime pay for public school teachers.

“President Duterte expressed his support to our salary scheme proposal during the campaign and we hope that he will rally his congressional allies to realize its enactment,” Basas said.

“As to the Magna Carta, the law mandates the secretary of education to submit budgetary estimates to Congress. We are confident that Secretary Briones will consider the 50-year neglect of the past administrations and will pay us back through sound fiscal policies, her expertise,” he added.

The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms called on the government to spend wisely in terms of education, backing Briones’ proposal to strengthen the alternative learning system.