Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said on Tuesday that a proposed P50,000 salary increase for entry-level public school teachers is “possible,” but it will depend on the improvement of the government’s financial situation.

Current Salary Situation

Speaking to reporters, Angara explained that for now, the increase in teachers’ salaries is being handled under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL), which provides gradual pay raises for government workers. He highlighted that while the proposed P50,000 increase isn’t feasible immediately, the SSL continues to boost teachers’ pay annually. For instance, a Teacher 1 will see a total salary increase of P33,000 in one year due to these standard adjustments.

Future Possibilities

Angara suggested that the P50,000 salary hike could become a reality in the future, provided the government’s fiscal condition improves. “Maybe in the future, if the government’s fiscal condition improves,” Angara said, emphasizing that while it’s not possible right now, the idea remains on the table.

Legislative Support

In February, members of the Makabayan bloc, including France Castro of ACT Teachers party-list, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan party-list, filed House Bill 9920, advocating for the P50,000 entry-level salary for public school teachers. The lawmakers argue that this increase is necessary to bridge the gap between teachers’ salaries and the rising cost of living and to correct the pay imbalance caused by the doubling of entry-level pay for military and uniformed personnel.

Conclusion

While the proposed P50,000 salary increase for teachers is not immediately possible, Angara believes it is achievable in the future with improved government finances. In the meantime, teachers will continue to benefit from the gradual pay raises under the SSL.