FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
I 
S E N A T E  
S.B.NO. 
137 
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Government allocates the biggest share of the national budget for education annually because 
education is a national priority. The budget earmarked for education addresses problems such as the 
overcrowded classrooms, shortage of books, tables and chairs, outmoded equipment and dilapidated 
facilities. However, for several years now, government has overlooked the salaries of public school 
teachers. For college graduates, the teaching profession is one of the lowest-paying jobs available. 
Teachers are specifically designated to educate the young. But considering the responsibility and 
privilege of teachers in toto, teachers play an important part in developing nation. They harness talent and 
train the future leaders, doctors, lawyers, musicians, engineers, nurses, office workers, factory workers, 
athletes, etc. Despite the worth of their contribution to national development, teachers continue to suffer 
from neglect. Their salaries are meager and their working conditions, particularly in public schools, are 
generally poor. Because of the low salaries given to teachers, the country is losing many of its most 
qualified teachers to more lucrative positions in commerce and industry. For the past years, thousands 
have migrated abroad for better employment opportunities as well. 
How long will government allow this exodus to happen? The clamor of public school teachers for 
an increase in their salaries must not be disregarded if government is intent on keeping the country's bright 
teachers. The teaching profession is a highly respected profession in many countries because of its 
important contribution to national development. Ironically in the country, public school teachers can no 
longef afford to have an adequate or decent living because of their low pay. Government must help 
teaders uplift their lives and give teachers the prestige and recognition they so deserve. 
Approval of this bill is therefor earnestly sought. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
I 
First Regular Session 
I 
S E N A T E  
., . 
S.B. NO. 
lnfroduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan 
AN ACT 
INCREASING THE SALARY GRADE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS FROM SALARY GRADE 10 TO 
20 AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. lncrease 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 10 
to 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. Priorify 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 
implementafion of fhis Act. 
SEC. 4. Appropriation. - 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 Regulafions. - The DepEd and the DBM shall promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. 


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SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other 
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision 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. Rfecfivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
Approved.