A BILL seeking to set a P50,000 minimum monthly salary for private school teachers has been filed in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 8969 was introduced by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co. The measure aims to raise compensation in the private education sector and bring it closer to the pay levels of public school teachers.

In the bill’s explanatory note, the authors disputed claims that public and private school educators are already on equal footing in terms of salary. They argued that teachers in both sectors remain underpaid, with compensation falling short of the demands and significance of their profession.

The lawmakers also pointed to stark disparities in the private sector, particularly in basic education outside the National Capital Region. Some licensed teachers reportedly earn as little as P3,000 to P6,000 per month.

Beyond low wages, the bill highlights gaps in benefits and overall compensation, noting that private school teachers often receive less support than their public school counterparts.

The proposed measure seeks to address long-standing pay inequities and ensure that educators receive fair compensation in line with their qualifications and vital role in nation-building.