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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Qu ity, M

:

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Two, 4436

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) is a government subsidy
provided to all government workers as economic relief. Currently, with the effects of
inflation, rising prices of commodities, as well as the spike in oil prices, it is necessary
that time is taken to review the PERA received by government employees, particularly
by our public-school ieaciers. Bue io the receni deveiopmenis discussed, ihe current
amount given to public school teachers is clearly insufficient to shoulder their everyday
expenses.

The World Bank has issued a study this year stating that the ninety percent

(20%) of children in the PI S still struggle

ines still struggle

reading simple texts at age ten

(10)." in a report issued by the Strait Times, the Philippines ranked the highest in terms
of learning poverty in Asia?

Faced with these glaring statistics, finding a solution to solve this issue is
paramount. But part of solving it is looking into haw we can support our teachers in
‘order to address the problems faced by our education system. In our current state, our
public-school teachers will not be able to perform their tasks effectively if they
constantly worry about their survival day in and day out.

Currently, the PERA given to public school teachers only amounts to Two
Thousand Pesos (PhP/2,000.00) which is insufficient to give them relief from the
soaring prices of necessities.

In this bill, we propose to increase the PERA received by public school teachers
in order to lessen the burden and impact of inflation and increasing prices of
commodities. By doing so, we ensure that our pubiic-schooi teachers are shielded
from economic hardship and in turn, they can effectively perform their duties as
educators and help address the issue of learning poverty that the Filipino youth is
currently experiencing.

2 https://interaksyon philstar.com/politics-issuues/2022/08/08/224499/crisis-in-education-pinoys-fret-over-
philippines-high-learning-poverty-rate/

? https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/years-of-remote-schooling-exacerbate-learning-poverty-among-
filipino-children?fbclid=iwAROMKOhIRHCWQaDbCSXQY_u8Lyz-24vfLBxYScCO3CV7OR4QcdBokcYVRWBU


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

~~ 4436

HOUSE BILL No.

INES" IX” M. DIONISIO, JR.
Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Congressman
First Congressional District of Manila


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

oo 4436

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

AN ACT
PROVIDING AN INCREASE AND AN AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
IN THE PERSONNEL ECONOMIC RELIEF ALLOWANCE (PERA) GRANTED TO
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA). — The
Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) being granted to public school teachers
shall be subject to an automatic yearly adjustment equivalent to any increase of the
annual inflation rate in the country.

The Department of Budget and Management, in consultation with the
Department of Finance, shall annually increase said PERA equivalent to the increase
in the annual inflation rate of the country.

SECTION 2. Increase in the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance. - The
Personnel Economic Relief Allowance of public school teachers is hereby increased
from the present Two Thousand Pesos (PhP/2,000.00) to Five Thousand Pesos
(PhP/5,000.00) per month.

SECTION 3. implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department of
Budget and Management, in coordination with the Department of Education and the
Commission on Higher Education shall issue the corresponding implementing rules
and regulations within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. — For the first year of the implementation of this
Act, funds necessary for the PERA of public school teachers shall be charged against
current appropriations. Thereafter, funds needed in subsequent year shall be included
in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this
Act.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 4436

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, or other issuances or parts thereot inconsistent with the provision of this
Act are hereby repealed.

SECTION 7. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.