Increase in wages by PHP 15,000 proposed, pension plan for educators introduced
Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for the passage of her Dagdag Sahod for Public Basic Education Teachers and Employees Act (Senate Bill 211), which proposes a PHP 15,000 salary increase for all public school teachers and personnel.
According to the bill, the salary increase will be implemented in three tranches: PHP 6,000 in the first year, PHP 5,000 in the second, and PHP 4,000 in the third. The first tranche is set to be a P6,000 hike, the second tranche a P5,000 hike, and the third tranche a P4,000 hike.
Hontiveros believes that teachers deserve a salary increase as they pour their time, effort, and love into educating children. She expressed concern over the integrity of public school teachers' pensions and aims to assure a comfortable future for teachers when they retire from government service.
In addition to the salary increase, Hontiveros' bill also proposes the establishment of teachers' health centers and special wards in DOH hospitals for teachers. Teachers will receive five days of annual mental health and wellness leave, and medical assistance from DOH, DSWD, and DepEd is part of the bill.
Government-paid Philippine Health Insurance Corp. contributions are also included in the bill. Furthermore, Senate Bill 575, if passed, would grant all teachers a 10-percent discount and value-added tax exemption on medicines and other essential health products.
Hontiveros made this statement in a news release on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. She stated that increasing teachers' salaries, benefits, and safeguarding their pensions demonstrates that teachers are valued.
The passage of Senate Bill 211 was actively planned for passage in 2025. Hontiveros is also advocating for the passage of her Healthy Buhay at Hanapbuhay Para sa Guro Act (Senate Bill 575).
