Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro slammed the 15/30 salary scheme imposed on the salaries of public school teachers. The teacher solon said our teachers need a substantial salary increase, not the 15/30 salary scheme.

"Our public school teachers need a substantial salary increase, not another scheme that would simply cut the release of their salaries in half," Castro said. "The Department of Education failed to consult its stakeholders and the effects of the change in the release of the salaries of our teachers."

"Marami sa mga teachers natin ang mayroong mga loan na maaapektuhan ang kanilang mga loan payment at iba pang mga obligations dahil sa pagbago ng release ng kanilang sweldo. Kapag nadelay lang sila sa pagbayad, magkakaroon pa sila ng penalty," Castro added.

"Non- teaching personnel are also hesitant in this scheme. This is a logistical nightmare that every two weeks they would have to make payrolls and may even result in delayed salaries.," Castro stated. "Instead of imposing another scheme that would only further limit the capacity of teachers to buy their monthly needs, our teachers need a substantial salary increase especially after the Duterte administration repeatedly promised teachers that he will give a substantial salary increase to teachers."

"A substantial salary increase for teachers was one of President Duterte's campaign promises. Now with the rising prices of basic goods and another surge of COVID-19 affecting thousands of teachers, our education frontliners need the substantial salary increase now more than ever," Castro said. "Tumaas na ang presyo ng langis, galunggong at iba pang mga pangunahing bilihin. Kailan na ang pangakong substantial na taas sweldo ng mga guro at kawani?"

"In the second year of blended distance learning where most students are using modules for their schooling, teachers had to shell out more out of their pockets for the purchase of laptops, printers and other gadgets. They also had to shell out more to be able to have access to adequate and reliable internet connection. Teachers have been neglected by the Duterte administration by continuing to deny them adequate budget for gadgets, internet allowances. With the soaring high prices, their salaries cannot keep up with the demands of their work and their daily needs. It is about time that the Duterte administration prioritize education and provide our teachers with the substantial salary increase they were promised," Castro added.

"We urge the Department of Education to suspend the 15/30 salary scheme imposed on teachers. We also appeal for their support for the long demand of our teachers for a substantial salary increase for teachers and other government employees," Castro ended.#

PRESS RELEASE
18 January 2022

Source: ACT Teachers
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