MANILA, Philippines – A teachers’ group has reminded President Rodrigo Duterte of his earlier promise that he will increase the salary of teachers.
The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged the President to act on his message, “a promise to hike the mentors pay which he has been bragging (about) in many occasions.”
Since the 2019 national budget is still on a gridlock, Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) to allow the salary increase for government workers, military, and uniformed personnel to push through.
The Executive Order No. 76, signed by the President on March 15, orders the allocation of funds for the salary adjustment of government employees following the fourth tranche of Salary Standardization Law (SSL) which should have started this January.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had lauded the executive order, saying Duterte “does not want to prolong the overdue salary increase that our public servants, who have been working tirelessly and silently for the last two months, have been looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, the TDC continued their complaints that the salary increase under the SSL would only amount to P575 for teachers’ entry-level position. The group lamented that this just isn't enough to cover the rising cost of daily necessities.
TDC said, “What we want is a legislated salary increase of at least P10, 000 across-the-board.”
“That is both to recognize the need for economic augmentation and a proper appraisal of the teaching profession,” it added.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also slammed the political deadlock that has delayed the approval of the 2019 nation budget. ACT stated, “The leadership of the 17th Congress of the Philippines proved to be a huge disappointment for most teachers and education workers.”
The teachers’ federation called out the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for “ jointly failed to uphold the interests of our sector and the majority of the Filipino people repeatedly, but notably more so in recent months.”
Early January, teachers had renewed their hopes for a pay hike when the President issued a statement that they will soon be prioritized. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo even stated that the President “loves the teachers” because his mother is also a teacher.
Panelo assured the teachers, “The President takes care of teachers. He has promised to double their salary. If I am not mistaken, (Budget) Secretary (Benjamin) Diokno said the salary hike may be released in two or three months.”
Days later, Duterte himself made a remark that he is willing to “strike a deal” with Department of Education secretary Leonor Briones on the pay hike.
— Sally, The Summit Express
The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged the President to act on his message, “a promise to hike the mentors pay which he has been bragging (about) in many occasions.”
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| The President had earlier promised to increase teachers’ salary | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/PCOO |
Since the 2019 national budget is still on a gridlock, Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) to allow the salary increase for government workers, military, and uniformed personnel to push through.
The Executive Order No. 76, signed by the President on March 15, orders the allocation of funds for the salary adjustment of government employees following the fourth tranche of Salary Standardization Law (SSL) which should have started this January.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had lauded the executive order, saying Duterte “does not want to prolong the overdue salary increase that our public servants, who have been working tirelessly and silently for the last two months, have been looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, the TDC continued their complaints that the salary increase under the SSL would only amount to P575 for teachers’ entry-level position. The group lamented that this just isn't enough to cover the rising cost of daily necessities.
TDC said, “What we want is a legislated salary increase of at least P10, 000 across-the-board.”
“That is both to recognize the need for economic augmentation and a proper appraisal of the teaching profession,” it added.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also slammed the political deadlock that has delayed the approval of the 2019 nation budget. ACT stated, “The leadership of the 17th Congress of the Philippines proved to be a huge disappointment for most teachers and education workers.”
The teachers’ federation called out the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for “ jointly failed to uphold the interests of our sector and the majority of the Filipino people repeatedly, but notably more so in recent months.”
Early January, teachers had renewed their hopes for a pay hike when the President issued a statement that they will soon be prioritized. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo even stated that the President “loves the teachers” because his mother is also a teacher.
Panelo assured the teachers, “The President takes care of teachers. He has promised to double their salary. If I am not mistaken, (Budget) Secretary (Benjamin) Diokno said the salary hike may be released in two or three months.”
Days later, Duterte himself made a remark that he is willing to “strike a deal” with Department of Education secretary Leonor Briones on the pay hike.
— Sally, The Summit Express
