Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DY
Constitution Hills, Quezon City (s F rece IVED
® ore, YUL? 9 2019
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
wouse ait no, 2477

Introduced by HONORABLE ALOYSIA T. LIM

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Education is the main driver of national development. It is an important tool in training
and developing responsible and productive citizens. It restores dignity and transforms lives. It is
essential in achieving peace, addressing unemployment and eradicating poverty.

At the heart of our educational system are the teachers. They are at the forefront of our
efforts to inculcate knowledge, teach skills and develop values, necessary for nation-building.
‘The quality of our education lies heavily upon their shoulders.

For these reasons, the Constitution mandates that “the State shall assign the highest
budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share
of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction
and fulfillment” [Article XIV Section 5. (5)]. Further, Republic Act No. 4670 known as the Magna
Carta for Public School Teachers was passed in order “to promote and improve the social and
economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their terms of
‘employment and career prospects, that they may compare favorably with existing opportunities
in other walks of life, attract and retain in the teaching profession more people with the proper
qualifications” [Section 1].

Despite the mandate of the Constitution, the enactment of RA 4670 and the issuance of
Executive Order 201 Series of 2016, the remuneration to improve the living and working
conditions of teachers remains inadequate. Rising inflation hinders them from living “a
reasonable standard of life for themselves and their families” [Section 15.b]. Their salaries can
no longer be compared favorably “with those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent or
similar qualifications, training and abilities” (Section 15.a].

This Act seeks to provide TEN THOUSAND PESOS (PhP10,000.00) across-the-board
increase to the basic salary of public elementary and secondary school teachers, to address the
inadequacy of the existing laws. This is to ensure that our teachers are justly empowered,
adequately compensated and sufficiently motivated.

Thus, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2477
HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by HONORABLE ALOYSIA T. LIM

AN ACT INCREASING THE BASIC SALARY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title: This Act shall be known as “Public School Educators’ Salary Increase Act”.

SECTION 2. Reiteration of Policy: It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure that
education is given the highest budgetary priority in governance and adequate remuneration
shall be given to attract and retain the best talents in the education sector.

The State shall likewise, hold paramount, the protection and promotion of the right of
the citizens to quality education at all levels, and the right of education workers to humane
conditions of work and a living wage.

SECTION 3. Coverage: This Act shall cover all public elementary and secondary school teachers,
locally or nationally-funded, including those in technical and vocational schools and in state
colleges and universities.

SECTION 4. Increase in the Basic Salary of Public School Teachers: An amount of TEN
THOUSAND PESOS (PhP10,000.00) per month shall be granted to all public school teachers
mentioned in Section 3 of this Act as additional compensation to their existing basic salary.
Provided, THAT salaries of those occupying higher positions shall be adjusted, accordingly.

SECTION 5. Priority in Budget Allocation: The National Government shall appropriate such
amount, as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. Provided, THAT the salary of
public school teachers shall take priority over other non-educational and non-agricultural
budgetary allocations.

SECTION 6. Rules and Regulations: The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department
‘of Budget and Management (DBM) shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations for
the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 7. Appropriations: The amount necessary for the implementation of the provisions of
this Act shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).


SECTION 8. Separability Clause: Should any provision herein be declared unconstitutional or
invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected shall be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause: All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and issuances or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended,

accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity: This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,