ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday slammed the 15-30 salary scheme for public school teachers.

She lamented that the Department of Education failed to consult stakeholders on the effects of the change in the release of the salaries of teachers.

“We urge the Department of Education to suspend the 15/30 salary scheme imposed on teachers. We also appeal for their support for the long demand of our teachers for a substantial salary increase for teachers and other government employees,” Castro said.

“Marami sa mga teachers natin ang mayroong mga loan na maaapektuhan ang kanilang mga loan payment at iba pang mga obligations dahil sa pagbago ng release ng kanilang sweldo. Kapag nadelay lang sila sa pagbayad, magkakaroon pa sila ng penalty,” she said.

“Non- teaching personnel are also hesitant in this scheme. This is a logistical nightmare that every two weeks they would have to make payrolls and may even result in delayed salaries.,” Castro stated.

The lawmaker explained that instead of a new scheme, teachers need a substantial salary increase.

“Tumaas na ang presyo ng langis, galunggong at iba pang mga pangunahing bilihin. Kailan na ang pangakong substantial na taas sweldo ng mga guro at kawani?”Castro asked.

“In the second year of blended distance learning where most students are using modules for their schooling, teachers had to shell out more out of their pockets for the purchase of laptops, printers and other gadgets. They also had to shell out more to be able to have access to adequate and reliable internet connection,” she stressed.