THE TEACHERS’ Dignity Coalition urged the Department of Education to implement the welfare provisions of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670), which was enacted in 1966.

“Crucial at this time of pandemic are the provisions for free and compulsory medical examination, treatment and hospitalization, and compensation for injuries. These important provisions are not implemented until this very day when the teachers need it most,” Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson, said.

Basas said that the law is considered the Bible of Filipino teachers but many of its provisions have not been implemented.

The Magna Carta provides other benefits such as transportation allowance, salary increments, and paid study leave for those who served for seven years.

“What we need now is the proactive stance of the DepEd, the agency primarily tasked to implement the letters and spirit of the law,” Basas said.

“The full implementation of the Magna Carta for Teachers may not totally eliminate the ills of education sector but it will greatly contribute to solving the problems,” he added.

The TDC participated in the Senate review of the Magna Carta for Teachers initiated by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Committee on Basic Education last year.

“We are waiting for the committee report and recommendations and we are hoping that the committee incorporated our manifestations,” Basas said.

The group also welcomed several resolutions filed at the House of Representatives that aim to convene the Congressional Oversight Committee that would review and assess Philippine education.