Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros joined the commemoration of National Teachers' Month by advocating for a PHP15,000 across-the-board monthly wage hike for public school teachers and employees. She also emphasized the need for medical discounts, additional benefits, and the protection of their pension contributions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros is pushing for the passage of her Dagdag Sahod for Public Basic Education Teachers and Employees Act (Senate Bill 211) and Healthy Buhay at Hanapbuhay Para sa Guro Act (Senate Bill 575). These legislative proposals aim to increase salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel. Hontiveros expressed her gratitude for the dedication of teachers, highlighting their daily contributions to the education and well-being of children.

Under Senate Bill 211, all public school teachers and personnel are set to receive a PHP15,000 salary increase, distributed in three tranches. The first year would see a PHP6,000 hike, followed by PHP5,000 and PHP4,000 in subsequent years.

In addition to the proposed salary increase, Hontiveros introduced SB 575, which would grant teachers a 10-percent discount and value-added tax exemption on medicines and other essential health products. The bill also includes provisions for health centers, special wards in Department of Health hospitals, government-paid Philippine Health Insurance Corp. contributions, and medical assistance from relevant government departments. Moreover, it proposes five days of annual mental health and wellness leave for teachers.

Hontiveros also expressed concern over the integrity of public school teachers' pensions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a comfortable retirement for these educators. She stressed the need to demonstrate ongoing appreciation for teachers by enhancing their salaries, benefits, and pension security.