Senator Hontiveros advocates for a universal P15,000 salary increase for teachers and employees.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has proposed Senate Bill No. 2743, which aims to substantially raise the monthly salaries of teachers and employees in public basic education. The bill calls for a Php 15,000 across-the-board increase, to be implemented in three phases over three years.

Senator Hontiveros has emphasized the necessity of this pay raise, pointing to the Constitution's requirement to provide fair compensation for teachers. She argues that current salary levels are insufficient to cope with the increasing cost of living and the growing demands of the teaching profession.

Hontiveros noted, "According to the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, teachers received an increase of just over Php 6,000 over four years, which amounts to roughly Php 1,500 per year. This increment falls short of addressing the rising cost of living and the increasing prices of basic goods and services" (Teachers Dignity Coalition, 2023).

The proposed salary increases are set to begin on January 1 of the year following the law's passage and will continue on January 1 each subsequent year. The necessary funding for this adjustment will be included in the General Appropriation Act.

Schedule for Salary Increases:

The increases will be distributed in three phases according to the following plan:

- Year 1: Php 6,000.00

- Year 2: Php 5,000.00

- Year 3: Php 4,000.00

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in conjunction with the Department of Education (DepEd) and teachers' unions, will develop the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days of the law’s enactment. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all stakeholders' perspectives are incorporated into the process.

The bill is anticipated to enhance the morale and financial stability of public school teachers and employees, who are crucial in shaping the nation’s future.

The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) strongly supports the bill. TDC Chairman Benjo Basas fervently urged for its passage, exclaiming, "SB 2743 ISABATAS!" He detailed the extensive process leading to the bill's introduction:

"We’ve been through a long journey. The initial meeting with Senator Risa took place in September 2023, followed by several online discussions from December 2023 to February 2024. We held a full-day workshop at the Senate in April 2024. And now, in July 2024, the proposed bill, SB 2743, has been submitted."

While recognizing that the increase might not be immediate or substantial, Basas expressed hope, stating, “It’s not a huge amount and it’s not immediate, but it’s a step towards the right direction. Thank you, Senator Risa Hontiveros!”