Sen. Hontiveros pushes for 15K across-the-board salary hike for teachers, employees

Sen. Hontiveros pushes for 15K across-the-board salary hike for teachers, employees

Senator Risa Hontiveros has introduced Senate Bill No. 2743, a measure that aims to significantly increase the monthly salary of teachers and employees in public basic education. The proposed bill seeks a Php 15,000 across-the-board increase, divided into three tranches over three years.

Senator Hontiveros has underscored the critical importance of this salary hike, citing the Constitution's mandate to ensure adequate remuneration for teachers. The current salary levels are simply not enough to meet the rising cost of living and keep pace with the demands of the teaching profession.

Hontiveros cited, "Under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, teachers received a little over PhP 6,000 increase, spread across four years, or about PhP 1,500 increase annually, which is insufficient to adapt to the current cost of living and to cope with continually rising prices of basic commodities and services (Teachers Dignity Coalition, 2023)."

The proposed salary increases are scheduled to be implemented starting January 1 of the year after the law's enactment and every January 1 after that. The necessary funding for this initiative will be allocated in the General Appropriation Act.

 
Salary Increases Schedule. The salary increases shall be given in three tranches under the following schedule:
• Year 1- 6,000.00
• Year 2- 5,000.00
• Year 3 - 4,000.00

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and teachers' unions, will be tasked to formulate the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days of the law's effectivity. This inclusive approach ensures that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and considered in the process.

This bill is expected to boost the morale and financial well-being of public school teachers and employees, who play an important role in shaping the nation's future.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) strongly supports the proposed bill. TDC Chairman Benjo Basas passionately called for the bill's passage, saying, "SB 2743 ISABATAS!" He highlighted the long journey that led to the bill's submission:

"Mahaba ang pinagdaanan. Setyembre 2023 ang inisyal na pulong kay Sen. Risa na sinundan ng ilang online discussions noong Disyembre 2023 hanggang Pebrero 2024. Nagkaroon ng isang whole-day workshop sa Senado noong Abril 2024. At nito ngang Hulyo 2024 ay naisumite na ang panukalang batas, SB 2743."

While acknowledging that the increase may not be substantial or immediate, Basas expressed optimism, adding, “Hindi kalakihan, hindi rin biglaan, pero malapit sa katotohanan. Salamat Senator Risa Hontiveros!”

SOURCE:
S.B. No. 2743 - INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS - AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FIFTEEN THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 15,000) ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE IN THE BASIC MONTHLY SALARY OF TEACHERS AND EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC BASIC EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR - READ