Teachers Petition Malacañang for Higher Wages Ahead of Labor Day

Just days before Labor Day, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines submitted a petition to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urging a significant salary hike for teachers and education workers. The petition, backed by thousands across the country, highlights frustrations over minimal pay increases under the current Salary Standardization Law.

ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua criticized the slow wage growth and rising living costs, noting that many teachers are forced to take extra jobs or go into debt. He also pointed out that educators often pay for classroom needs out of pocket due to government neglect.

The group is calling for a ₱50,000 monthly starting salary for teachers, ₱33,000 for entry-level staff, and wage adjustments aligned with the national living wage. ACT warned that President Marcos Jr.'s campaign promises and reform agenda will remain unfulfilled unless the administration addresses the financial struggles of educators.