Salary-increase of teachers will have to wait until next year’s budget, Palace says

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MANILA — Public school teachers will have to wait until next year for their desired salary increase, a Malacanang official said on Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in an interview over state-run dzRB radio, explained that a raise could not happen anytime soon but assured that it could be part of next year’s budget.

He raised the issue reacting to last month’s teacher protest wherein they condemned Malacanang for not giving in to their request.

“We understand the request of these teachers and we respect their right to express their concerns,” Coloma said.

He said that the Department of Education has always had the desire to address that issue, but in a manner wherein certain constraints were noted.

“First, we are in the middle of the year and the budget for this year has already been approved so the raise they are asking for is not identified in the budget,” the PCOO chief explained.

“(However), this concern may be studied to be implemented for next year’s budget,” he added.

Coloma asked teachers to be more understanding and remember that the welfare of millions of students lie in their hands.

“We hope that they (teachers) continue to execute their duties as teachers with diligence and honesty, which the country can take pride of,” he said.