TDC calls for fair merit system, adequate Benefits, just salary

TDC calls for fair merit system, adequate Benefits, just salary

The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) acknowledges the suspension of AO 25 (2011) and EO 80 (2012) in accordance with Executive Order No. 61 signed by President Marcos on June 3, 2024. This suspension also affects the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS), Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), and Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI). However, the PBB 2022, based on the performance rating for the school year 2022-2023, will not be affected.

The TDC views this suspension as an opportunity to address the long-standing complaints about the burdensome performance rating system under RPMS. They propose to replace it with the simpler Performance Appraisal System for Teachers (PAST) and push for a fair and just merit and performance rating system.

While the removal of RPMS might lead to the elimination of PBB, the TDC believes it should be replaced with more responsive and equitable benefits, such as higher PEI and Service Recognition Incentive (SRI), which do not require burdensome requirements.

The TDC also calls on the DepEd, DBM, and the Technical Working Group (TWG) to consider the following:
1. Completely scrap RPMS and implement a simple, fair, and non-burdensome performance rating system for teachers, like the previous PAST.
2. Include representatives of teachers and staff in the TWG as a consultative council.
3. Clarify whether IPCRF submission is still required for SY 2023-2024, given that fiscal year 2023 is a transition year according to EO 61.
4. If PBB is completely removed, increase the amount of incentives or benefits that do not require reports, such as PEI and SRI.
5. Finalize the long-overdue study on teachers' salaries and enact a salary increase based on the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers or any substantial increase pending in Congress.

The TDC will continue to assert their concerns, comments, opinions, and proposals through dialogues, public statements, consultations, or actions.