The bill mandates the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to consult with teachers’ unions and to draft implementing rules and regulations. With over 803,000 public school teachers in Teacher I to III positions could benefit if passed.
House Bill No. 203 Refiled
The House of Representatives has refiled a bill that would raise the minimum salary of public school teachers to P50,000 per month. It was pointed out that even though the Salary Standardization Law was amended in 2020 and 2024, public school teachers still struggle to earn enough money to support themselves and their families especially how prices have been so expensive lately. Similarly, the writers said that public school teachers holding Teacher 1 through Teacher 3 positions received modest raises of only 4.95% to 5.6%, compared to police and military pay rose by 50% to 100% under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Why the Pay Hike Matters
The bill seeks to bridge the gap between teachers’ salaries and the rising cost of living. Correct wage distortions caused by the significant salary increases for military and uniformed personnel. Discourage brain drain by offering educators compensation that reflects their vital role.
The Legislative Context
The House Bill No. 203 was first filed on June 30, 2025, the first day of the 20th Congress. It follows earlier efforts like House Bill No. 9920, filed in 2024 by then-Rep. France Castro, which had similar goals. The bill mandates the DBM to explore funding strategies in consultation with public sector unions, though specific funding sources will be identified through the implementing rules and regulations.
Uplifting the Education Frontliners
It is important to note that despite amendments to the Salary Standardization Law in 2020 and 2024, teachers’ pay still falls short of a family living wage, estimated at over ₱1,200 per day. They emphasize that this bill is a matter of economic justice and a moral imperative to support the country’s education frontliners.
