A BILL that seeks to provide a 30-day paid sick leave to public school teachers is being pushed at the House of Representatives.

House Bill 5349 was filed by ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, Bayan Muna Partylist Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Ferdinand Gite and Eufemia Cullamat, Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.

“It is a common complaint among public school teachers that, since current laws, rules, and regulations do not afford them this leave privilege, it is as if the government views them as superhumans who do not get sick during the school year,” the lawmakers said in their explanatory note.

They explained that service credits are remuneration for work done by  teachers, particularly those done beyond regular functions or regular work or days such as Brigada Eskwela and election and census service.

“Furthermore, availment of service credits is saddled with many requirements and limited to only 15 days per year, despite the many non-teaching related tasks and activities required of teachers,” the group added.

Under the bill, all public school teachers shall be entitled to sick leave benefits of 30 days with pay.

The leave privilege shall also be non-cumulative and non-convertible to cash.