THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers staged a picket-protest on Monday to press its demand for the immediate release of overtime pay for public school teachers.

The group decried the “refusal” of the Department of Education to pay teachers for the work they rendered for 87 days.

“This is an ultimatum. We are giving the agency until October 5 to release the guidelines for public school teachers’ overtime pay which costs P26,605.71, and 87 days’ worth of service credits, before we claim it ourselves. Just how ironic it is that our teachers must beg for their overtime pay on National Teachers’ Month?” Raymond Basilio, the group’s secretary general, said.

Basilio warned that if the agency fails to meet the ultimatum, public school teachers skip work for one day at the same time.

“Our teachers have been far too patient and understanding despite the struggles they have had to endure due to government abandonment, but all they have gotten in return is negligence of their welfare. We are putting our foot down, and we say enough!” he added.

ACT called on the government to provide immediate solutions to teachers’ concerns, such as the promised upgrading of teachers’ salaries, substantial and timely benefits, adequate mobile and internet allowance, and preparation for the safe reopening of schools.

“We will collect what is due us and demand accountability for the criminal negligence of the Duterte-Briones tandem. There is no better way to honor and bring dignity to education fronliners this teachers’ month than to protest and seek accountability for the torment and severe abandonment of the Duterte regime of teachers and the education sector,” Basilio said.