Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Facebook)

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has proposed the grant of tax exemption to public school teachers in hopes of strengthening the education sector. 

“It is vital that the government attract the most competent and efficient teachers for the benefit of our students,” Rodriguez said in a statement, Tuesday, Oct. 17. 

In order to maintain a strong teaching force, Rodriguez says the government must provide adequate compensation and benefits equivalent to the work they perform and contribution they make to society. 

“Despite the importance of their work, teachers are among the lowest paid government workers," noted the Mindanaoan. 

Under Rodriguez's House Bill (HB) No. 9106, the proposed tax exemption for teachers would be considered as a non-wage benefit, or benefits in addition to wages and salaries. 

HB No. 9106 further states, “All salaries, wages, allowances, and benefits granted to public school teachers, including those in state colleges and universities at all levels, shall be exempted from the withholding taxes as provided for by pertinent laws, rules and regulations pertaining to withholding taxes.” 

Rodriguez also noted the lopsided teacher-to-student ratio, which affects the quality of education. 

"The teacher-to-student/pupil ratio is 1:29 in the elementary level, 1:25 in high school, and 1:29 in senior high school. This highlights the difficulties our teachers face in providing quality education to our students,” he said. 

There are approximately 880,000 public school teachers in the country, according to data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). --Dexter Barro II