For ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, the results of the latest Octa Research survey validated the Makabayan bloc's call to raise the entry-level salary of public school teachers to P50,000 per month. 

"Ang resulta ng Octa survey ay malinaw na mensahe mula sa taumbayan: hindi sapat ang sahod para harapin ang taas-presyo (The results of the Octa survey are a clear message from the people: wages are not enough to cope with rising prices)," Tinio said in a statement Monday, Jan. 26.

"When 45 percent of Filipinos say wage increase is their top concern—overtaking even inflation control—it means workers can no longer cope with the cost of living," noted the Makabayan bloc member.

Tinio and the rest of the Makabayan are pushing for the passage of House Bill (HB) No.203, which seeks to increase the minimum monthly salary of public school teachers to P50,000.

The bill recognizes that the current salary structure—starting at around P29,000 for Teacher I positions—is grossly inadequate given the rising cost of food, transportation, housing, and other basic needs.

The Octa Research "Tugon ng Masa" survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025 showed that improving or increasing workers' wages and salaries was cited by 45 percent of adult Filipinos as their top national concern.

This surpassed controlling the rising prices of basic goods and services at 41 percent. Price control had consistently been the leading national concern since the first quarter of 2022.

"This is a damning indictment of this administration's economic policies. Inflation may have slowed, but workers' purchasing power has not recovered. Ang tunay na solusyon ay taasan ang sahod, hindi maghintay na bumaba ang presyo (The real solution is to raise wages, not to wait for prices to go down)," Tinio stressed.

He pointed out that teachers are among the most affected by stagnant wages amid rising costs.

"Our public school teachers are struggling to make ends meet. Many are forced to take on side jobs, borrow money, or skimp on their own families' needs just to survive. This is unacceptable for professionals who shape the future of our nation."

Tinio said that the prospered P50,000 entry salary for teachers is "not a luxury but a necessity".

"Teachers deserve a living wage that reflects their vital role in society and allows them to live with dignity," said the deputy minority leader.

Aside from teachers, Tinio also reiterated the call for a national wage increase for all workers, both in the public and private sectors.

"Lahat ng manggagawa—whether in government, factories, call centers, or farms—deserve a substantial wage hike (All workers—whether in government, factories, call centers, or farms—deserve a substantial wage increase).

"The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards have consistently failed to grant meaningful increases. We need bold, decisive action from Congress and the President," he said.

The same Octa survey showed that having enough to eat every day remains a top personal concern for 44 percent of Filipinos, and that having a secure and well-paying job is a concern for 38 percent.

"These numbers expose the harsh reality: millions of Filipinos are working but still cannot afford to feed their families properly," said Tinio.