Senate Bill Pushes ₱10,000 Across-the-Board Salary Increase for Public School Teachers

Senator JV Ejercito is pushing for an additional ₱10,000 in the basic monthly salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers under a measure he filed in the 20th Congress.

Senate Bill No. 335, or the proposed “Dagdag Suweldo Para sa mga Guro Act,” seeks to provide an across-the-board salary increase for public school teachers regardless of their length of service. The bill was introduced by Ejercito on July 9, 2025.

In a recent social media post, Ejercito highlighted the demanding responsibilities carried by teachers both inside and outside the classroom.

“Araw-araw, hindi lang pagtuturo ang ginagawa ng ating mga guro. Naghahanda sila ng lessons, nagche-check ng mga papel, gumagawa ng reports, at higit sa lahat, inaalagaan at ginagabayan nila ang ating mga estudyante. Nakikita natin ang kanilang pagod at sakripisyo,” Ejercito said.

Under SB 335, every covered public school teacher would receive an additional ₱10,000 on top of his or her existing basic monthly salary if the proposal is enacted into law. The increase would apply across the board, meaning teachers would receive the additional amount regardless of how long they have been in government service.

Bill Cites Financial Struggles of Teachers

In the explanatory note of the measure, Ejercito recognized that teachers perform numerous responsibilities beyond classroom instruction, including preparing instructional materials, assessing learners, coordinating with parents, and handling other school-related activities.

The bill also cited the financial pressures experienced by many teachers, including the rising cost of basic goods and the need of some educators to spend their own money on instructional materials. It further noted earlier reports showing that many public school teachers had accumulated significant debts from government and private lending institutions.

Ejercito said improving teachers' compensation is intended not only to recognize their contribution but also to improve their economic condition and help the government attract and retain qualified educators.

Under the proposal, the funding needed for the salary increase would be included in the General Appropriations Act. The Department of Budget and Management, in consultation with the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, would also be tasked to formulate the necessary implementing rules should the measure become law.

Ejercito described SB 335 as one of his priority measures in the 20th Congress aimed at improving the welfare of Filipino teachers.

“Para sa ating mga guro, alam naming hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga ang inyong sakripisyo. Pero nais nating ipakita na hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan,” the senator said.

For now, the proposed ₱10,000 increase remains a legislative proposal and is not yet an additional salary benefit being received by teachers. It would still have to complete the legislative process and be enacted into law before it can be implemented.