Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.4657

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The quality of public education in the country highly depends on the qualifications
and abilities of teachers. In order to attract and retain competent educators that
would ensure quality education for our youth, we must promote and improve the
social and economic status of public school teachers.

Unfortunately, public school teachers are among the most underpaid and
overworked workers today. In some cases, teachers even have to bear the expenses
for lesson preparation due to lack of instructional materials in schools. Based on
reports, the accumulated debt of public school teachers across the country has
reached a staggering P300 billion. This shows the urgent need to give public school
teachers their long-overdue wage hike.

This bill seeks to raise the minimum salary grade level of teachers from the current
Salary Grade 11 to 19. This is in recognition of their dedication in providing quality
education to our youth amid their challenging working and living situations. By
providing them decent salaries, this will bring dignity to their noble profession and
motivate them to strive for excellence as they mold our children's future.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4657

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
UPGRADING THE MINIMUM SALARY GRADE LEVEL OF TEACHERS FROM
SALARY GRADE 11 TO 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 grade 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 prejudiced
by across the board salary adjustments.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 3. Appropriations. - 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) to make the necessary budgetary adjustments to facilitate the smooth
implementation of this 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.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and the DBM
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of
this 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.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in

the Philippines.

Approved,