Group of Teachers Plans to File Mass Leave if Government Continues to Ignore Their Concerns
A group of Filipino teachers said that will not hesitate to hold a mass leave if the government continues to ignore their concerns.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), led by Chairperson Ruby Bernardo, raised the alarm following the recent salary increase granted to military and uniformed personnel.
Bernardo shared that teachers have long been asking for a raise, explaining that their earnings have been left behind over the years despite the demands of their profession. She stressed that when the government approves salary adjustments, it should be done fairly and cover all sectors, not just one group.
For many teachers, it was disheartening to see how quickly the salary hike for uniformed personnel was approved through a single executive order. In contrast, their own request has gone through long discussions, delays, and uncertainty.
The situation has added to their frustration, especially since teachers consistently carry heavy workloads and responsibilities.
Bernardo also questioned the timing and priority of the government’s decision, connecting it to issues of instability within the military ranks. She wondered if this concern was the reason why uniformed personnel were prioritized over civilian workers such as teachers.
Despite their calm and patient stance in the past, teachers now feel that the situation is reaching a point where stronger action might be needed.
Bernardo emphasized that if their needs become too urgent and the government continues to turn a blind eye, teachers will not hesitate to organize a mass leave. She explained that they do not want to reach such a point, but they also need to stand up for their welfare.
According to the group, none of this would be necessary if the government simply listened to teachers and acknowledged the importance of their role in shaping the youth.
The social media users expressed their reactions to their plead:
