SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has filed a measure providing hospital benefits and other privileges for public school teachers and their dependents.

In his Senate Bill 1585, or the proposed Public School Teachers’ Hospital Benefits Act, Tulfo emphasized that public school teachers are the backbone of the Philippine education system.

They serve as frontliners in shaping the nation’s future citizens while often facing poor working conditions, limited health coverage, and exposure to occupational health risks.

The senator noted that there are over 900,000 public school teachers nationwide, many of whom experience increased physical and psychological strain due to heavy workloads, large class sizes, and administrative responsibilities.

Health and hospitalization benefits for public school teachers remain minimal and fragmented.

While the Department of Education currently provides a P7,000 annual medical allowance, this amount is insufficient to cover diagnostic, hospitalization, and dependent-related medical expenses.

The proposed act aims to institutionalize accessible and affordable hospital services for all public school teachers and their dependents.

It mandates all government hospitals to provide preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative, and rehabilitative health care; offer at least a 10% discount on consultations and hospitalization; and establish fast-lane facilities for teachers and their dependents.