Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HousE Bui wo. £96

Introduced by: REP. RAUL V. DEL MAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution provides that: “the State recognizes the
complementary roles of public and private institutions in the educational
system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of education
institutions.” (Article XIV, Section 4[1})

To this end, “the Sate 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 the adequate remuneration and other
means of job satisfaction and fulfilment,” (Article XIV, Section 5[5)).

Public school teachers are among underpaid workers in our society.
Despite the fact that they are heralded as molders of our children’s future,
public school teachers receive only less than ten thousand a month each for
their basic salary. The teachers are considered to be the prime mover of the
education system; hence, the government needs to give priority to their
interest and welfare.

Thus, to give meaning to the spirit and intent of the above-mentioned
constitutional provisions, there has been a compelling need to upgrade the
salary grade of our public school teachers.

Approval of this measure is earnestly requested.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 496

Introduced by: Rep. RAUL V. DEL MAR

AN ACT
INCREASING THE SALARY GRADE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
FROM SALARY GRADE 11 TO 20 AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Increase in the Minimum Salary Grade Level. - The
present minimum salary grade level of public school teachers in the
elementary and secondary schools shall be upgraded from Grade 11 to Grade
20; Provided, however, That the salary upgrading shall be differentiated in
accordance with the qualifications and length of service rendered by teachers
and shall not be prejudiced by across the board adjustments.

SEC. 2. 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 increase of public school
teachers shall take priority over other non-educational and non-agricultural
budgetary allocations.

SEC. 3. Budget Required. — The Department of Education (DepEd)
shall come up with a specific programmed budget needed to cover the


expenses for the upgrading in salary levels for all the corresponding teacher
plantilla positions for a period of at least five (5) years to allow the Department
of Budget and Management (DBM) make the necessary budgetary
adjustments to facilitate the smooth implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Inclusion in Appropriations Act. - The amount necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act for the year following the approval of this Act.

SEC. 5. Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education
(DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. ~ All provisions of laws, orders, decrees,
including rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed
and/or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. ~ If any part or provisions of this Act
shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are

not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.