ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Wednesday urged the incoming administration to heed the demand of teachers for a salary upgrade.

She said that while Executive Order 174 which expands the career progression system for public school teachers is welcome, there is no substitute for a pay increase.

“We welcome the expanded career progression system for our public school teachers but this should not be a substitute for the demand to upgrade their salary grade from SG 11 to SG 15 and address the injustice to teachers,” Castro said.

“Napag-iwanan na ang mga guro ng ibang propesyunal sa kanilang mga suweldo. Ang mga nurse 1 ay SG 15 na, ang mga pulis ay lampas P29,600 na ang base pay ng patrolman/woman. Malaking inhustisya ito sa mga guro na may katulad na mga kwalipikasyon at may napakaraming trabaho na lampas pa sa kanilang mandato na magturo,” she added.

The lawmaker asked the Department of Budget and Management to clarify how many items will be created for each position in accordance with the executive order.

“Baka naman may item nga, kakaunti naman kaya agawan lang rin ang mga teachers o kaya naman ay marami rin ang maiipit sa mababang posisyon,” Castro said.