Senator Bam Aquino expressed disappointment over the government’s pronouncement that public school teachers and other government workers will have to wait until 2020 to enjoy an increase in their meager salaries, saying many of them are buried in debt amounting to P171 billion.

“If we can do it for policemen, we must also increase pay for our teachers, nurses and other government workers,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the recent salary hike given to members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Our teachers play a major role in ensuring our graduates are job-ready and poised for success. By educating our youth, teachers can influence the fate of the country,” added Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said teachers cannot afford to wait until 2020 for an increase in salary as they are experiencing personal burdens, including debt problems.

According to Sen. Bam, the P171 billion debt of teachers from legitimate lending institutions is due to a confluence of factors, including inadequate wages, delayed salary while some use the money to cover the cost of their teaching materials.

“Tulungan naman natin ang ating mga guro, nars at iba pang government workers na mapagaan ang kanilang buhay sa pamamagitan ng dagdag na suweldo, lalo na ngayong tumataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam has filed Senate Bill No. 704 or the Basic Education Teachers Pay Increase Act, which provides a P10,000 increase across the board increase to all teaching and non-teaching personnel of the country’s public school system.

Sen. Bam also filed Senate Bill No. 916 or the Comprehensive Nursing Act, and Senate Bill No. 663 or the Nurse in Every Public School bill.