Palace asks teachers to be more patient for Duterte’s promised wage hike

June 4, 2019

Malacanang asked on Tuesday the public school teachers to be more patient as the Duterte administration is looking for ways on where to source the multi-billion fund for their salary increase.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, quoting Education Secretary Leonor Briones, said if each teacher would be given P10,000 increase on their salary, it would cost the government a total of P150 billion.

"That is why we appeal to our teachers that since this is a huge amount, be more patient, we'll really look for money for you," he said.

He said the economic managers are finding ways where to source the fund.

"We re doing something about it," Panelo said.

He reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte did promise to the teachers to raise their salary.

"He has not reneged on any commitment he has made during the presidential elections," added Panelo, also the chief presidential legal counsel.

He said the government might provide the increase in the teachers' salary through installment.

"But what is I think certain is that the President really wants to increase the salaries of the teachers," he said. Celerina Monte/DMS