ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro called on the Department of Education to release the P300 communication expense reimbursement for teachers which had long been delayed.

Castro also urged the department to release their Performance Based Bonus for 2019 and Service Recognition Incentive.

“Makatarungan lang na ibigay na ang mga benepisyong ito ngayon na hindi maawat ang pagsipa ng presyo ng mga bilihin habang pasan-pasan ng mga guro ang laki ng gastusin sa work-from-home set-up ng online learning,” she said.

The lawmaker was alarmed by the reports and complaints received by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers from 15 regions on the incomplete or non-release of the P300 monthly communication expense refund for the months of March to December 2020.

In some regions, teachers received only P600, P900 or P1,500.

Castro said teachers were required to present receipts of the load or electronic load purchase, internet bills and proof of internet use such as pictures or videos of online classes, meetings, and webinars they have attended and conducted making it more difficult for them to collect their reimbursement.

“Ang laking insulto sa mga kaguruan na sila na nga ang pumasan ng lahat ng gastusin matuloy lang ang balik-eskwela noong nakaraang taon sa kabila ng kapalpakan ng blended learning, ngayon pahirapan pa ang pagkuha ng mga benepisyo at allowance. Dakila nga ang propesyon ng mga guro pero ang gobyernong ito mismo ang pumapatay sa kanilang dedikasyon,” Castro said.

The Education department had admitted that the P300 communication reimbursement was not sufficient but explained that it cannot give a higher amount for lack of funds.