Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3173

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

Article XIV, Section 5 (5) of the 1987 Constitution expressly provides 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. "

The present plight of our teachers, especially those in the public schools, however,
betrays the best intention of the Constitution, Our teachers are not accorded the due
recognition and importance they deserve. They are unappreciated, overworked and
underpaid. Their salaries are insultingly low and with the high cost of living today, it is no
wonder that many of the best and the brightest in the teaching profession are now teaching
abroad or, worse, have migrated to work as caregivers or domestic helpers.

Public school teachers are among the most underpaid and/or overworked
professionals in our society. Despite the fact that they are looked upon and heralded as
molders of our the youth, public school teachers receive a basic salary under the Salary
Standardization Law 3 (SSL3) of around eighteen thousand five hundred forty nine pesos
(P18,549.00) only. Yet our teachers are considered to be the prime movers of the education
system.

If education is an essential key in the country’s global competitiveness, we should
raise the quality of education by elevating our teachers’ salary grade to a decent level
befitting their responsibility as shapers of the young Filipinos’ future. In doing so, we would
be able to attract and retain exceptional and dedicated teachers who will nurture our
children to become productive partners in nation-building.

To give meaning to the spirit and intent of the above mentioned constitutional
provision, there is an imperative and indispensable necessity to upgrade the salary grade of
our public school teachers.

In view thereof, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Gas

ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4% District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

nousepiiNo,__ 3173

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
UPGRADING THE MINIMUM SALARY GRADE LEVEL OF TEACHERS FROM SALARY
GRADE 11 T0 19

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

SECTION 1. Increase in the Minimum Salary Grade Level, ~ The present minimum salary
{rade level of public school teachers in the elementary and secondary schools shall be
upgraded from Grade 11 to Grade 19: 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 prejudice by across the board salary adjustments.

s 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 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 years to allow the
Department of Budget and Management to make the necessary budgetary adjustments to
facilitate the smooth implementation of this Act.

SEC, 4. Appropriations, - 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 and the Department of Budget
and Management 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 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. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect in fifteen (75) days following publication in
one (1) national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,