Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

908

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Sonny L. Lagon, Party List, AKO BISAYA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to increase the minimum salary grade level of public elementary and secondary
school teachers from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15 in recognition of their invaluable roles in
national development and pursuant to the Constitutional mandate to 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 fulfilment (Article XIV, Section 5, par. 5),

Teaching is heralded as the noblest of professions and teachers are touted as the architects of
the future generations being responsible in moulding the Filipino youth into responsible, God-fearing,
law-abiding and productive members of society. Charged with the task of shaping young minds, it is
not an exaggeration to say that teachers impact the lives of the people and the society in general

The present plight of our public school teachers, however, betray their supposed lofty roles in
society. This is notwithstanding the best intention of the Constitution relative to the teaching
profession. The factiis, they are not accorded the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. Worse,
they are overworked but underpaid pushing many of our qualified and well-trained teachers to shift
professions or find greener pastures in other countries. Not a few of them are now working as domestic
helpers abroad just to provide better lives to their loved ones.

With the cost of living constantly on the upward trend, it is necessary that the salaries of public
school teachers are likewise adjusted from time to time to enable them to provide for their families and
maintain an economic standing that is commensurate to the important tasks entrusted to them by the
government.

If we are to raise the quality of public education as an important key to enhance the Filipinos”
competitiveness in the global stage, we must start by giving our public school teachers the
remuneration that they deserve to encourage them to give their best in the difficult task of shaping the
character and competence of our youth. Otherwise, giving them accolades is just an empty rhetoric
devoid of any meaning and substance.

In view of the above premises, the prompt approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

SONNY. LAGON
Party List, AKO BISAYA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 308

Introduced by Rep. Sonny L. Lagon, Party List, AKO BISAYA

AN ACT
UPGRADING THE MINIMUM SALARY GRADE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
FROM SALARY GRADE 11 TO SALARY GRADE 15

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. —This Act shall be known as the “Public School Teachers” Salary
Upgrading Act of 2019”.

SECTION 2. Reiteration of Policy. — It is hereby reiterated that “itis the policy of the State
to ensure that education receives the highest priority in governance, and that teaching will attract
and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other
means of job satisfaction and fulfilment”

SECTION 3. Upgrading 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 Salary Grade Level 11 to Salary Grade 15. The salary grade levels of those holding higher
positions shall be adjusted accordingly.

SECTION 4. Coverage. — This Act shall cover all public school teachers in the elementary
and secondary levels, whether nationally or locally funded, including those in technical and
vocational schools and state universities and colleges.

SECTION 5. Priority in Budget Allocation. — The amount necessary to carry out the
objectives of this Act shall take precedence over non-educational and non-agricultural budgetary
allocations

SECTION 6. Appropriations. ~The initial funding required for the implementation of this
Act shall be sourced from the savings of the Executive Branch of the government and such other
sources as the President of the Philippines may determine. Thereafter, the amount necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 7. Rules and Regulations. — The Department of Education and the Department
of Budget and Management shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
implementation of the provisions of this Act.


SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees and orders inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly,

SECTION 9. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,