Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1992

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Public school teachers are among the most underpaid workers, given their workload and
role in the society. Despite the fact that they are heralded as molders of our children’s future and
second parents to our children, public school teachers receive a basic salary that does not equate
to their contribution. Our teachers are considered to be the heart of the educational system. Hence,
the government needs to give priority to their welfare and interests.

The low salaries received by our more than 800,000 public school teachers have been a
major disincentive for them to improve their skills in teaching and pursue further education and
training. More so, our public schools have failed to attract the best and the brightest graduates from
the top colleges and universities because of low salary levels, preventing our public education
system from benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of outstanding teachers. Especially with
the implementation of the K-12 law, having inspired and capable teachers is probably one of the
best investments our government could make.

In this regard, this bill seeks to raise the minimum salary grade level of teachers from the
current Salary Grade 11 to 19. With this increase in salaries, more qualified and competent
educators will be attracted to teach in public schools. Definitely, this will greatly help in motivating
our teachers to strive for excellence in their field and thus, improve the quality of education in the
public school system.

For the abovementioned reasons, approval of this bill is earnestly urged,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1992

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

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.

Sec. 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 publ

school teachers shall take pri
agricultural budgetary allocations.

Sec. 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.

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

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. — All provisions of laws, orders, decrees, including rules and
regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.
mn 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. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,