Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his push for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2493 or the Revised Magna Carta for Public School Teachers in a bid to improve teachers’ welfare.

This, after the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a directive removing administrative tasks from teachers.

Gatchalian’s proposed amendments to the 57-year-old Magna Carta for Public School Teachers or Republic Act (RA) No. 4670 include the prohibition of assigning non-teaching tasks to teachers. The Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM II) Year One report also emphasizes that teachers are overwhelmed with non-teaching tasks.

Gatchalian’s amendments to RA No. 4670 also include the reduction of classroom teaching hours from six to four hours and a provision on the hiring of a substitute teacher when an incumbent is on leave.

The proposed measure provides that when the exigencies of the service require, teachers may render up to eight hours of service upon payment of additional compensation, which will be equivalent to the same rate as their regular pay plus at least 25 percent of their basic pay.

“May mga pangako ang Magna Carta for Public School Teachers na hindi natupad sa nakaraang 57 taon. Napapanahon na para sa isang bagong Magna Carta na magtataguyod ng kapakanan ng ating mga guro (The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers has promises that have not come true in the past 57 years. It's time that a new Magna Carta be established for the welfare of our teachers),” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
 
The bill also seeks the grant of calamity leave, educational benefits, and longevity pay. It also enumerates the circumstances and conditions on the grant of special hardship allowance and enriches the criteria for salaries. 

The bill also seeks to protect teachers from out-of-pocket expenses and discrimination.

Gatchalian’s proposed measure also institutes mechanisms to uphold due process for teachers. For instance, permanent teachers who are unjustly dismissed shall be entitled to reinstatement and back wages. 

The bill prohibits the termination of permanent teachers without just cause and due process. Furthermore, it ensures confidentiality in disciplinary actions against teachers.  

A partnership between the DepEd and the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) shall also be instituted. This is to extend legal services to teachers facing complaints and lawsuits in relation to their teaching duties and responsibilities.