Senate passes bill increasing public school teachers’ allowance

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate passed on third and final reading a measure that seeks to increase the yearly supplies allowance of teachers in all public schools, who are receiving only P24 a day under the current P5,000 teaching supplies allowance for the entire school year.

With a unanimous vote of 20 senators present, Senate Bill 1964 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act inches toward its ratification and enrollment for the President’s signature.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., sponsor of the bill, appealed to the House of Representatives to consider approval of the measure.

“I appeal to our colleagues in the House of Representatives to make this measure their priority. This was already passed by the Senate during the 17th and 18th Congresses. It is not for me or for all of you. This is for our hardworking teachers, the shapers of our nation, who have dedicated their lives to nurture our children,” Revilla, chairperson of committee on civil service, government reorganization and professional regulation, said.

He noted that public school teachers are overworked and underpaid.

“The current cash allowance includes a P500 allocation for medical examination. If we deduct from that the purchase of teaching materials and equipment, it will drop to only P22 per day. A box of chalk costs P68, a ream of bond paper costs P120, not including the internet load,” Revilla said in his sponsorship speech.

“Teaching is the one profession that creates other professions. Even the president of the country or even the bravest senator – their thoughts and personality were shaped by our teachers,” he said.

Under Senate Bill 1964, the teaching allowance gradually increases from the current P5,000 to P7,500 for school year 2023-2024 and P10,000 per teacher in the succeeding school years.

The additional benefits shall not be subject to tax.