Philippine Senate Approves Teaching Allowance Increase Amidst Advocacy Group’s Support
The Philippine Senate has made a decisive move to support the country’s educators by ratifying a bill that will significantly increase the teaching allowance for public school teachers. The reconciled bill, a result of the combined efforts of Senate Bill No. 1964 and House Bill No. 9682, known as the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act, was finalized in the Bicameral Conference Committee.
Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., who spearheaded the bill as the Chairman of the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation, has been hailed as a champion for teachers’ welfare. The bill stipulates a phased increase in the chalk allowance from the current PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000 by the School Year 2025-2026, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Filipino teachers.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has welcomed the bill’s ratification, emphasizing that it reflects the culmination of persistent lobbying and collective action by public school teachers. While ACT initially supported a proposal for a PHP 7,500 allowance for the School Year 2024-2025, they acknowledge the consolidated bill as a significant victory for teachers’ rights.
ACT urges the house leadership to expedite the ratification process and appeals to President Marcos Jr. to endorse the bill, contrasting his previous veto of the tax exemption for election honoraria. The group emphasizes the importance of this legislation in upholding the rights and improving the well-being of teachers across the nation.
This legislative development is seen as a critical step in enhancing the support system for teachers, who have long been advocating for better compensation and recognition of their invaluable role in shaping the future of the Philippines.