The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the enactment of Republic Act No. 11997, the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which will provide an additional P5,000 to P10,000 teaching allowance to almost 800,000 public school teachers.

In a statement, the CHR said RA 11997 upholds the rights of the country's educators as the legislation ensures that they are provided with the necessary resources and support to perform their duties effectively.

CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said: "This effort will undoubtedly ease some of the financial burdens that our public school teachers face. More than the financial incentives, it sends a powerful message that we, as a nation, value and respect the dedication of our educators in honing the intellectual and moral development of our youth."

Palpal-latoc also lauded the efforts made by legislators, both in the higher and lower chambers, particularly those who filed the bill earliest. They are Senators Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva, Robin Padilla, Sonny Angara, and Bong Go in the Senate; and Representatives France Castro, Arlene Brosas, Raoul Manuel, and Emigdio Tanjuatco in the House of Representatives, among others. 

He also acknowledged the "prompt" action made by President Marcos  to sign and enact this measure into law, calling it a "step in the right direction" towards an education system that creates a dynamic, engaging, and effective learning environment for our educators and learners. 

The CHR said: "The Commission remains steadfast in its Constitutional mandate to protect, promote, and uphold the rights of all. We believe that by empowering our educators, we are also striving to create a more balanced and fair educational system for all."