Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17" Congress
First Regular Session

House BILLNo, 4159

Introduced by: HON. JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

We ofien say that Teaching ts the noblest profession yet our teachers who chose to stay in the
country are being forgotten and not getting enough salary and benefits.

This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 4670 otherwise known as “The Magna
Carta for Public School Teachers” to make the said law more responsive in promoting the
welfare of the public school teachers.

RA No. 4670 was passed into law on June 18, 1966 and has remained untouched for
more or less fifty (50) years. The stability of the said law shows that it has been effective in
promoting and improving the social and economic status of public school teachers, their
living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects

‘The passage of time has brought with it new challenges and circumstances that must
be dealt with by the public school teachers. Admittedly, the risks in connection with the
teaching profession fifty (50) years ago are not the same as in the present times. Support must
be given to the public school teachers for them to successfully hurdle such obstacles and keep
them focused in helping the students gain the knowledge they need in life.

There is no need to repeal RA No. 4670. Only needed are minor modifications and
some amendments to further strengthen the law. Others may say that the new benefits and
protection for public school teachers adds pressure to the government. This is not the proper
attitude since no price tag should be attached when it comes to helping the public school
teachers who are vital partners of the goverment in building a strong and well educa
society. Expenditures upon them are very wise investment for the future

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADG}


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17" Congress
First Regular Session

4159

HOUSE BILL NO-

Introduced by: HON. JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO-

“AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4670 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS”

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

‘The following are the amendments for the existing law. Those underlined are the
new introductions to the law, to wit:

SECTIONS.

a, the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;

b. the right to full access to the evidence in the case;

. the right to defend himself and to be defended by a representative of his choice
and/or by his organization, adequate time being given to the teacher for the preparation of his
defense;

the right to be represented by a counsel of his choice; and

e. the right to appeal to clearly designated authorities.

SECTION 14.

In_case a teacher is assigned by his school to participate in any event like sports

tournaments, academic competitions and the like, in whatever capacity, all expenses related
to the same shall be shouldered by the school.

SECTION 30. Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Education shall formulate
and prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within
hree (3) month: ivity of this Act. Rules and regulations issued pursuant to this
Section shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general
circulation and by such other means as the Secretary of Education deems reasonably
sufficient to give interested parties general notice of such issuance.



SECTION 31. Budgetary Estimates. The Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress
annually, not later than January 31 of each year, the necessary budgetary estimates to
implement the provisions of the Act concerning the benefits herein granted to public school
teachers under the employ of the National Government.

SECTION 32. Penal Provision. A person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain
or coerce any teacher in the exercise of his rights guaranteed by this Act or who shall in any
manner commit any act to defeat any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be
punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PS0,000,00) not more than Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00), and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1)
year but not more than six (6) years, upon the discretion of the court.

If the offender is is a public official, the court or the concerned government agency
having disciplinary ial shall order his dismissal from ce
Government service with
the government.

SECTION 35, This Act

Approved,