Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pushed anew for the passage of the "Revised Magna Carta for Public School Teachers", as spelled out in Senate Bill (SB) No. 2493, as a way to uphold the welfare of public school teachers.

He made the call amid the celebration of National Teachers’ Month, which was kicked off last Sept. 5.

Gatchalian’s proposed measure amends the 58-year-old Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670) in order to address new and persisting challenges hounding public school teachers. 

It also aims to ensure that the rights of teachers are respected, protected, and realized.

“Tungkulin nating itaguyod ang kapakanan ng mga guro, lalo na’t hindi matatawaran ang serbisyo nila para sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman patuloy nating isusulong ang Revised Magna Carta for Public School Teachers upang matiyak na may sapat na proteksyon at mga benepisyong natatanggap ang ating mga guro sa gitna ng maraming hamong kinakaharap ng sektor ng edukasyon (It is our duty to support the welfare of our teachers, especially since their service to our fellow citizens is invaluable. That is why we will continue to push for the Revised Magna Carta for Public School Teachers to ensure that our teachers receive adequate protection and benefits amid the many challenges facing the education sector),” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

The bill aims to institutionalize benefits like calamity leave, educational allowances, and longevity pay; defines the conditions for special hardship allowances; and enhances salary criteria for teachers. It also seeks to protect public school teachers from out-of-pocket expenses and ensure equal salaries, benefits, and working conditions for entry-level and probationary teachers.  

The proposed measure aims to improve teachers’ working conditions by reducing classroom hours from six to four, though teachers may work up to eight hours when necessary. Additional teaching hours will be compensated at their regular rate plus at least 25 percent of their basic pay.

The bill also prohibits the termination of permanent teachers without just cause and due process. It also seeks to maintain the confidentiality of disciplinary actions against teachers, according to Gatchalian.