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[Press Release] Teachers to P-Noy, we deserve higher salaries -TDC

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers to P-Noy, we deserve higher salaries

Public school teachers acknowledge reports of Palace’s approval of the proposed budget for 2016 which includes a salary adjustment for teachers and government employees. Malacanang said that the biggest chunk for 2016 budget goes to the education department.

“It is but legal to give the highest budget priority to the Department of Education because it is mandated by our constitution.” Said Benjo Basas, a Caloocan City teacher and the national chairperson of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC). “The DepEd budget may have the biggest share of budget, but teachers will not get their fair share.” He continued.

The group again reiterated the approval of the proposed legislation that seeks to provide a P10, 000 across-the-board increase in the salaries of public school teachers and other education workers.

“The constitution says that the state shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and it clearly states that this particular provision is for us, teachers. The law mandates the government to ensure that ‘teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.” Basas added quoting a provision of the 1987 constitution.

Basas argued that while they recognize the imminent salary increase, they prefer the ‘P10, 000 across the board increase’ under the ‘Additional Support and Compensation for Teachers in Basic Education,’ several versions of which are now pending in Congress.

“It is very unfortunate that President Aquino will only initiate salary increase for teachers and state workers this late, but he could make up for those five years that he ignored our pleas by giving us what we really deserve.” Basas said.

The group is expected launch protest actions prior to the SONA to reiterate their calls for salary increase.

“We expect an announcement from the president during his last state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27th, we will be there.” Basas ended.

For details:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, 0920-5740241

NEWS RELEASE
13 July 2015

Press Release

[Statement] DEPED should break its silence on the PEI -TDC

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DEPED should break its silence on the PEI

To once and for all, erase all the doubts and worries of Public school teachers on the bonus called PEI or productivity enhancement incentive, we again urge the Department of Education (DepEd) to issue an official statement on the status of this incentive and assure the teachers that, indeed the agency is entitled to a bonus equivalent to ‘one month salary’ that shall be released within the month of June. Since Malacanang released Executive Order 181, there have been stories circulating that teachers would not be entitled to such or would get a lower amount of P5000. This, despite the assurance from Sec. Armin Luistro that DepEd employees and teachers would be entitled to a maximum incentive equivalent to their one month salary. The assurance however was made during a meeting with TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas and was not made public until this very day, a month after the promulgation of the said order. Posts in teachers’ groups in social media are demanding words from Sec. Armin Luistro to clarify the matter.

Reference:
Benjo Basas
TDC National Chair
09205740241

STATEMENT
June 16, 2015

Statement

[Statement] Teachers ask DEPED, BIR to clarify tax on bonuses -TDC

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers ask DEPED, BIR to clarify tax on bonuses

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) asks the Department of Education (DepEd) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to issue clarification on the taxes deducted from the bonuses of public school teachers, particularly the performance-based bonus (PBB).

The PBB is a bonus granted by the government to its employees, the amount ranges from P5, 000 to P35, 000 depending on the performance of the employees and their agency. Teachers’ PBB for school year 2013-2014 is supposed to be released by October, however, until this very day, majority of teachers nationwide are still waiting for their PBB. It is worthy to note that this PBB has not been released in all regions aside from the Regions II, III, IV-A, VII and NCR, as of the moment.

Unfortunately, those that were able to receive theirs are complaining of outright deductions of supposed taxes. However, the amount differs from one division to another. For instance, tax deducted in some schools in Cebu, Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela is 10% of the PBB, in Negros Oriental it is higher at 20%, while in Tarlac and Pampanga, it is only 8%. There are also some cases where teachers paid 25 and 30 percent in taxes. But most of the divisions, especially in NCR and CALABARZON have no deductions.

As per Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) 23-2014 which is based on the RA 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code, taxes may only be collected to the amount of bonuses that exceeds P30, 000. The order further enumerates the taxable and non-taxable compensation, and the PBB along with the P5, 000.00 productivity enhancement incentive (PEI), 13th month pay and other bonuses are among those included in taxable items.

We seek for the immediate clarification of this matter while we wait for the implementation of the proposal that the praises tax-exemption cap on bonuses.

For details:
Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, 0920-5740241
Anabelle Dela Cerna, TDC-Cebu, 0929-6907602

STATEMENT
December 30, 2014

Statement

[Statement] On the Teachers’ Sit-Down Strike -TDC

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

On the Teachers’ Sit-Down Strike

“We support any action intended to push for a better compensation package for public school teachers. An increase in teachers’ salaries, in any amount would mean that the government officially recognizes its failure to provide a decent and dignified living for its maestras and maestros. Thus, we are one with our brothers and sisters in Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in calling for an immediate increase in our salaries and we challenge President Aquino and our Senators to include this in the 2015 budget and not to prolong the 4-year disregard to the welfare of the teachers. The P10, 000 pay increase demand has legal and moral bases.”

Reference:
Benjo Basas
National Chairperson
0920-5740241

PUBLIC STATEMENT
November 14, 2014

Statement

[Statement] Poverty kills teachers -TDC

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Poverty kills teachers

The shocking incident in Pangasinan National High School yesterday should serve as an eye opener for all of us. Two major issues of public education sector were put in highlight- violence and poverty. The shooting that resulted to the death of three people, two of them teachers and wounding of several others is the latest recorded incident of violence in schools involving teachers as victims. However, the reason behind this shooting is more appalling. According to the reports and the initial investigation, the gunman, who is a member of Pangasinan police force is collecting loans from his clients- the teachers when an altercation happen that led to the shooting spree. It is almost incomprehensible that some people kill to collect loans while others die because of debt.

With this incident, we would like to validate the public perception that teachers- or at least many of them are living in what we describe as “hand to hand” existence- worse than “hand to mouth” description. That is the literal handing of money to lenders right after they receive their salaries.

Teachers are the favorite clients of lending institutions and loan sharks because they are good payers. Teachers frequent the lending queues to make ends meet. And up to the point beyond the minimum take-home pay policy, teachers would find ways to borrow money- pawning their ATM cards of even certifying payments from anticipated bonuses to lenders. Yes, teachers are living in a borrowed income.

Thus, we call on the government to prevent the incidents of this kind in the future by providing just salaries and adequate remuneration and benefits- monetary or otherwise. Particularly, we call on President Aquino to certify Senate Bill 2146 and Senate Bill 2365 filed by young senators Sonny Angara and Bam Aquino, respectively. SB 2146 seeks to reform the tax system and collect more taxes from the rich and less from the poor while SB 2365 pushes for a P10, 000.00 additional compensation for public school teachers. These proposed measures, if enacted into law would surely augment the living of our teachers.

This government should sincerely care for the welfare of its teachers and never allow them to be killed for an unpaid loan. #

Reference: Benjo Basas, TDC Cahirperson- 09205740241

STATEMENT
September 2, 2014

Statement

[Press Release] DBM’s budget proposal, ‘A BAD’ news for teachers -TDC

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DBM’s budget proposal, ‘A BAD’ news for teachers

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Tuesday described DBM’s appearance in the House budget hearing as “A bad news” after DBM secretary Butch Abad confirmed that there is no budget item for teachers salary increase as well as for other government employees.

“This administration is generous in giving us frustrations.” Said Benjo Basas, a high school teacher from Caloocan City and the group’s national chairperson. “The president’s SONA made no mention of salary increase for teachers. Now, Secretary Abad is bragging his productivity enhancement incentives (PEI) instead of providing our demand for salary increase.” He added.

Basas revealed that the PEI of state workers and public school teachers which amounts to P10, 000 since year 2007 was reduced to P5, 000 beginning 2012.

“I don’t want to compare this administration with Arroyo presidency, but in year 2007 and 2008, the then Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo provided for a 10% salary increase thru executive orders.” Basas recalled.”And in year 2009, the government began implementing the four-tranche salary increase thru the salary standardization law.”

Basas added that the only salary adjustments granted by under Aquino and Abad were the last two tranches of the SLL-3 which “not even initiated under the current presidency”.

The TDC has been lobbying for a P10, 000 across the board increase for public school teachers and has launched a series of protest that will culminate in October in time for the celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

“This time, the government should be taught of our importance.” Basas ended.
Reference: Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson, 09205740241

News Release
August 7, 2014

Press Release

[Press Release] TDC asks DEPED to stop implementing new performance rating

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

TDC asks DEPED to stop implementing new performance rating

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has formally asked the Department of Education to immediately stop the implementation of the results-based performance management system (RPMS) that is set to measure the output of public school teachers nationwide.

“Based on the ‘roll-out’ in the field, this RPMS places our expected output beyond 100 per cent. We view this as nothing but burden, especially that the teachers’ tasks and delivery of output are not easily quantifiable because of the peculiarity of our work. Thus, RPMS would only result to confusion if not exploitation.” Said Benjo Basas in a letter addressed to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

RPMS is the new performance rating system based on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) memorandum circular no. 6 in 2012. The TDC, along with more than a hundred teachers from Metro Manila held a protest followed by a dialogue with CSC Chair Francisco Duque III to discuss the matter.

“In our meeting with the CSC officials, it was made clear that RPMS cannot be implemented without the prior agreement between the teachers and administrators on the performance indicators and expected output. Unfortunately, this is not the way it is being carried out in the field. Since June of this year, the supposed open consultation in the division and school level has been nothing but an imposition of this scheme, perhaps for compliance.” Basas continued.

The groups urged CSC and DepEd to review the applicability of this policy to public schools and further challenged the government to provide the necessary support to public school system in terms of facilities and other resources, most especially in terms of teacher compensation.

“We appeal to the DepEd to immediately issue a memorandum to halt the implementation of RPMS until clear, definite and acceptable guidelines have been formulated with the widest consultation possible.” Basas added.

The group is expected to meet the CSC and DepEd officials anytime this week to further discuss the issue.

“RPMS is nothing, but another burden to already overworked yet underpaid teachers.” Basas ended.

Reference: Benjo Basas, national chair, 09205740241

NEWS RELEASE
August 04, 2014

Press Release

[Statement] RPMS, another burden to overworked, yet underpaid teachers -TDC

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

RPMS, another burden to overworked, yet underpaid teachers

We, public school teachers are one with the government in ensuring quality service to our people. This is our commitment to our students in particular and the taxpaying public in general. The condition of our public schools however is a great factor that affects our performance- large class size in a small classroom, lack of facilities and teaching and learning materials and perhaps, lack of motivation and low morale due to government’s disregard to us- especially our demand for salary increase.

Thus, we are very much concerned about the introduction of the Results Based Performance Management System (RPMS) which the Department of Education (DepEd) will implement this school year. The system is in accordance with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular no. 6, s. 2012.

This new system places our expected output beyond 100 per cent, we need to work on the double and deliver performance of at least 130% in order for us to be declared outstanding. It is ironic that a government which, in the entire history, did not provide the 100% needs of the education sector and its teachers would expect for over a 100% performance from them.

We urge the CSC and the DepEd to review the applicability of this policy to our teachers. We urge the government to provide the necessary support to our public school system in terms of facilities and other resources, most especially in terms of teacher training and compensation.

Filipino teachers’ performance is generally outstanding. To be a teacher in this country requires one to be resilient, enduring and patient- qualities that make all of us outstanding, far more than our counterparts from the rest of the world.

Teachers’ tasks are not easily quantifiable, our product cannot be gauged with a meter stick or a weighing scale. Ours is a work that includes not only physical strength, but more so, intellect and emotions- teaching differs from all other jobs- its peculiarity can never be measured. This one-size-fits-all RPMS would only result to confusion in the field, if not further exploitation.

We demand fair and just compensation. RPMS is nothing, but another burden to already overworked yet underpaid teachers.

Reference: Benjo Basas, national chair, 09205740241

Statement
August 1, 2014

Statement

[Press Release] Teachers protest ‘malnutrition’ in Nutrition Month -TDC

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers protest ‘malnutrition’ in Nutrition Month

Teachers’ group ATING GURO Party List condemned the government for its neglect of education sector particularly public school teachers.

“P-Noy’s supposed policy of reforms should be reflected down to the grassroots particularly in public education system. Since he became president four years ago, we have not received any salary increase.” Said Arsenio Jallorina, retired Manila principal and the party chairman.

The group particularly denounced the government’s insensitivity for not providing a salary adjustment for the teachers and employees since year 2012.

“The president has not even initiated a salary increase since 2010 and only enforced the two remaining tranches of the salary standardization law 3 that was enacted during the time of former president Arroyo in 2009.” Jallorina added.

Another matter which they are questioning is the performance-based bonus (PBB) scheme. PBB under EO 80 signed by the president in July 2012 is a scheme granting monetary benefits to employees ranging from P5, 000.00 to P35, 000.00 based on their ‘performance.’ The teachers however are critical of the scheme because the government specifically the Department of Education (DepEd) has no clear-cut policy on how to measure their performance that resulted to incentive disparity and demoralization when it was first implemented in school year 2012-2013. According to them, the scheme is unfair, divisive and deceptive.

Ating Guro instead proposed an across the board productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) amounting to P15, 000 per employee.

“Since year 2007, the government is granting a P10, 000 across the board performance incentive to public school teachers and government employees. Yet in year 2012 said incentive was cut by half.” Jallorina explained.

The group, along with other teachers organizations will stage a protest action on Wednesday, July 9 at the foot of Mendiola Bridge in Manila thru a boodle fight to condemn what they describe as the “the government’s disregard to the most important sector.”

“This boodle fight symbolizes the status of our teachers, with a very low salary and inadequate incentives, we are now unable to provide proper nutrition for ourselves and our families.” Jallorina said.

The teachers will eat instant noodles, sardines, tuyo and NFA rice or what they described as ‘evacuation center food.’ The theme for this year’s nutrition month is “Kalamidad Paghandaan, Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Agapan.”

“With such kind of treatment, our teachers and employees are virtually in a state of calamity everyday.” Jallorina ended.
Reference:
Arsenio Jallorina, Chairman, 0998-4755658

NEWS RELEASE
July 7, 2014

Press Release

[Press Release] Teachers ask for 10, 000 salary increase, launch ‘Protests de Mayo’ -TDC

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers ask for 10, 000 salary increase, launch ‘Protests de Mayo’

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) renews its call to the government to legislate an increase in their salaries and benefits after the Aquino administration said that the government cannot grant the salary increase demands both for private and public sector workers and employees.

“The latest increase in our salaries thru legislation was enacted in 2009.” Said Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson. Basas added that the increase was under the Salary Standardization Law 3 and granted the entry level position of government teachers an increase in total of P6, 523 divided in four tranches from year.

“The current administration only enforced what is mandated by law and just decreed the last two tranches thru executive orders, the latest adjustment in our salary that was signed by Pres. Aquino was in year 2012.” Basas explained. “Since then, the government is seemingly reluctant to tackle the salary increase proposals for public school teachers and government employees.” He furthered.

The group is pushing for a P10, 000 across the board increase for teachers and education workers. Earlier, Malacanang said that there will be no increase in wages and salaries of private and government workers, contrary to the traditional wage increase pronouncement during Labor Day celebration.

The TDC said they appreciate the proposals submitted by Senator Antonio Trillanes III in the Senate and the versions authored by Magdalo representatives in the lower house.

“We appreciate the proposals from these lawmakers. That is only a proof that some government officials believe that teachers and government employees’ pay is insufficient for a dignified living. The proposal opens the door for a wide discussion and that alone can be considered as an initial victory for us.” Basas added.

House Bill 4081 seeks to increase the entry-level salary of teachers from P18, 549 to P36, 567 or from Salary Grade 11 to 20. The group however said this may not be feasible considering the sheer number of public school teachers in the country which now has reach almost 600, 000 and the government’s fiscal policy which refuses to prioritize public education and other social services.

TDC vows to launch series of mass actions this month dubbed as PROTEST DE MAYO, a Santacruzan-inspired series of actions starting this week up to the resumption of classes in June.

“On Thursday, May 8, we will launch ‘Protests De Mayo’ in front of DBM office and will march Sagala-style to Mendiola Bridge to protest government’s inaction on the demands of public school teachers.” Basas ended. #

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, 0920-5740241

NEWS RELEASE
May 4, 2014

Press Release

[Press Release] Teachers support workers’ call for wage increase, decent living -TDC

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers support workers’ call for wage increase, decent living

Public school teachers join the celebration and marches today in commemoration of the international labor day that primarily demand for increase in wages and protection for working class.

“Mayday is for all of us- working people to celebrate. This day recognizes our sacrifices and invaluable contribution, not just to the economy but to the entire society.” Benjo Basas, the group’s national chairperson said.
Basas said members of the TDC will be joining the workers under the Bukluran ng Manggagagawang Pilipino (BMP) and the labor alliance NAGKAISA who will march from Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola this morning.

“Teachers bear the agony of low salaries, high prices of commodities, unfair labor practices, heavy workload and contractualization, among others. These are also the everyday sufferings of the Filipino workers, thus our reason to take solidarity with the rest of the working class.” Basas explained.

Basas added that the Aquino administration, so far has not initiated a salary increase proposal for teachers and government workers and the last legislated increase in their salaries was the four-tranche increase in 2009 under the Arroyo administration which was fully implemented two years ago.

“P-Noy, for this day gave us assurance that there will be no increase in the wages of our brothers and sisters in the private sector, the same with us in the government.” Basas added.
TDC calls on Malacanang to provide increase in salaries and other means of benefits for teachers and government employees thru reduction in taxes, increase in productivity enhancement incentive and scrapping of divisive and deceptive performance-based bonus and granting of more benefits under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“The toils of the working class make the economy revolving and keep the world moving, a caring government should reward them with social recognition, not just jobs fair and free MRT rides. The Filipino workers deserve more.” Basas ended.

TDC vows to initiate protest actions in the remaining weeks of summer vacation for their demands before the classes resume in June. #

Benjo Basas, National Chairperson, 0920-5740241

NEWS RELEASE
May 1, 2014

Press Release

[Statement] New year, old woes for teachers -TDC

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

New year, old woes for teachers

As classes open today after more than two weeks of holiday break, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) enumerated some problems that they predict will continuously haunt public school teachers and the education sector for the coming year.

Kidnapped teacher in Zamboanga. The vicious kidnapping cycle in the South strikes again before Christmas. A young female teacher from Sibugtoc Elementary School in Zamboanga City was snatched by several armed men on December 18. The poor teacher and other colleagues were on their way to report for an event in the city proper, clearly, in line of official duty.. Kidnapping of teachers in Zamboanga Peninsula Region has been rampant in the past years, yet the government always failed to provide security or hazard pay for teachers in this and other conflict areas.

Delayed Comelec payment. The Comelec last week announced that the DBM approved their request to provide additional P300.00 honorarium for teachers who served in the board of election tellers (BET) during Barangay elections in October 28 (and November 28 in Bohol and Zamboanga City), a good sign. However, believe it or not, many teachers in some areas including the cities of Quezon, Makati and Olongapo and the devastated town of Palo in Leyte have not received their P500.00 transportation allowance until now.

Taxes on bonuses and salaries. Teachers from the provinces complained that their productivity enhancement incentive (PEI) were deducted of tax, just as the productivity based-bonus (PBB) which the allocation for 2012 only given last August 2013. Teachers were surprised that in some localities, taxes were imposed ranging from 10 to 30% of their bonus, which according to the BIR is guaranteed by the law. Another issue with the BIR is the sudden change of tax code of some teachers, specifically in Malabon City that become a heavy burden to them. In some schools for example, those that are normally being charged of tax amounting to P3, 000.00 to P4, 000.00 paid up to more than P10, 000.00 last November and December 2013. The taxman (taxwoman, actually) vowed to collect every peso entitled to the government, however, nobody is keeping an eye on where these taxes go. The year 2013 was a witness to robbery of taxpayers’ money in great scales.

No increase in salary. The government’s budget for this year has not reflected the increase in salaries for its employees. That means, the salary would maintain its 2012 status until next year and it is not even sure if the government would provide a pay increase for FY 2015. Thus, materials for the third year of implementation of K-12 will be shouldered again by teachers from their meager salaries. It is interesting to note that the DepEd does not provide for text books for the use of students and teachers in accordance with the new curriculum, instead poor mentors are expected to download e-copy of resource materials for printing and reproduction.

Situation of teachers in Yolanda-affected areas. And perhaps the greatest challenge will still be confronted by the teachers in Yolanda-hit areas. No classrooms, no electricity, no chairs and blackboards, not even chalk and erasers were spared by the monster typhoon. Teachers in the area, like all other residents will have to start from zero. Until now, they are seeking the help of the government, but while employees of other agencies have already received cash and assistance for house rebuilding, public school teachers rely on their own. Yet they are in the forefront of rehabilitation and they provide strength for the whole community especially children. The only help teachers, especially in Leyte received from the DepEd are lipsticks, make-up kits, free haircut and minimal relief packages. And worth mentioning are the loan packages from GSIS, Pag-Ibig and Provident Fund, while they said what they really need is a cash grant, if not, a tax break or moratorium of all mandated deductions in their salaries that will surely benefit them and would reduce the impact of the deluge in their families.

Note:
The TDC on Saturday has launched the Project PAG-ARAM, An initiative to raise school supplies for children and materials for teachers in Yolanda-affected areas.

Pag-aram is a Waray term which means ‘learning’ or ‘to learn’ and the project’s main objective is to provide the school needs of students and teachers in typhoon Yolanda-affected areas of Eastern Visayas, Northern Cebu, Northern Panay and Northern Palawan. The project, which will be done in close coordination with the field offices of the DepEd, aims to collect as many donations as possible from schools, students, teachers, parents, individuals and organizations.

Materials such as pens, notebooks, school bags, shoes, crayons for kids and chalk, eraser, manila paper, cartolina, markers, record book, lesson plan book and improvised blackboard for teachers collected during the first week of January will be distributed in Leyte on January 15. However, the secretariat will accept donations up to May 30, 2014.

Reference: Benjo Basas, National Chairperson 0920-5740241/ 3853437

PRESS STATEMENT
January 6, 2014

Statement

[Statement] TDC hails ARMM colleagues for refusal to serve polls

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

TDC hails ARMM colleagues for refusal to serve polls

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) hails the Comelec approval of the request from some 1000 teachers from Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) not to require them to sit as members of the Board of Election Tellers (BET) and facilitate the elections in their respective localities for Barangay polls on Monday, October 28. The teachers cited security reasons for their refusal to serve. The Comelec instead deployed personnel from Philippine National Police to man the elections in lieu of the teachers.

We are happy with this decision and we consider this a breakthrough because we are not talking here of 1 or 10 or even 100 teachers, they are more than 900, almost a thousand. The Comelec just confirmed that they cannot ensure the safety of our teachers. We salute our colleagues from Mindanao for their courageous refusal and we view this as a precedent for future elections, should the optional election duty for public school teachers proposal will not make it again in the 16th Congress.

This is a good sign that the teachers may soon not be compelled to work in elections and the task be assigned to somebody else. The government which cannot protect their teachers who are doing duties apart from teaching does not have the right to compel them for such work.

Once again, we would like to reiterate our three major demands for the October 28, elections:
1. Ensure the protection of teachers from harassment, intimidation and physical attack;
2. Provide legal assistance for teachers who will be facing election-charges; and
3. Raise the honorarium from P2, 000 to P4, 000

If the state can easily grant extremely large amount of money for discretionary funds of public officials and the bonuses and honoraria of SSS, GSIS and other state-run companies, it is but proper to give the public school teachers the compensation and protection we just deserve. The treatment of public school teachers during elections is a manifestation of how this government values its teachers and the teaching profession- the noblest of all.

Reference: Benjo Basas, National Chairperson 0920-5740241/ 3853437

PRESS STATEMENT
October 26, 2013

Statement

[Press Release] Teachers, lawyers, HR group to monitor poll events -TDC

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers, lawyers, HR group to monitor poll events

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) launched “Proteksiyon sa mga Guro, Proteksiyon sa ating Boto,” a command post to monitor all election-related concerns of public school teachers, especially the report of harassment to teachers beginning Sunday morning until Tuesday night, May 14, 2013. The post will document reports of untoward incidents like harassment, cheating, intimidation, emergency situation or any election-related concerns of public school teachers during the polls.

“We will work like call center agents to accommodate reports from teachers.” Said Emmalyn Policarpio, TDC Secretary-General and a teacher from Valenzuela City. “This is our own way of helping our fellow teachers who are tasked to ensure the success of our elections on Monday.”

TDC has established hotline telephone numbers and several mobile numbers for easier reports from teachers. They will be assisted by law group LENTE (Legal Network for Truthful Elections) which will also provide their own hotline to answer legal questions in the field as well as the peace and human rights advocacy group, Sulong CARHRIHL.

“This partnership stems from the recognition of our group to the significant contributions of the teachers to our country.” Said Atty. Kenjie Aman of LENTE. “We are monitoring the process and we want to make sure that the rights of each stakeholder in the elections are protected. We want to uphold the right that should be afforded to every citizen.” He stressed.

For her part, Sis. Arnold Maria Noel of Sulong CARHRIHL appreciates the sanctity of votes. “Election is very important because this is the only time that the rich and the poor become equal, having only one vote. This is the best time to exercise our freedom; we should not be threatened or intimidated. Thus, our teachers should at all times be protected.” She said.

Sister Arnold also calls on the voters to exercise the conscience vote, “Everyone must be a wise voter. If we vote for the wrong leaders or parties, we are to be blamed after the elections.” She said. “Specifically in the party-list system which aims to give voice to the voiceless, yet the big political clans and business families are lording over it.” She continued.

Several teacher-volunteers who will not sit as BEI on Monday and who are deactivated from voters’ list will man the command post and they are tasked to monitor and document the field situation and provide any possible assistance to the teachers in the field.

The Command post will closely coordinate with government and private agencies specifically the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Elections (Comelec), law enforcement units, election watchdogs and the media. This is the second time that TDC launched such command post just as they did in 2010. TDC members from all over the Philippines will provide the first-hand information from their respective localities.

“Reports that we gathered during 2010 elections were sent to Comelec and DepEd and served as reference for their policies. We call on all our teachers and concerned citizens to reveal all the irregularities or any untoward incidents, we need vigilant people to protect our teachers and this democratic exercise.” Policarpio ended. #

NEWS RELEASE
May 11, 2013
For details:
Emmalyn Policarpio, TDC Secretary-General, 0939-7798649
Atty. Takahiro Kenjie Aman , LENTE National Secretariat Head, 0917-8952955
Sis. Arnold Maria Noel, Sulong CARHRIHL Co-Chairperson, 0917-3211535

Teachers assigned as BEI:
Olive De Guzman, Morning Breeze ES, Caloocan, 0917-8167130
Marilou Nofiel-Felipe- Baesa HS, Caloocan City, 0919-5321429

For contacts in other cities/provinces please call/text:
Allen Carl Bartolome, 09183566370/ 3853437

Press Release

[Press Release] Teachers, lawyers established command post to monitor poll events -TDC

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Teachers, lawyers established command post to monitor poll events

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) headquarters in Quezon City will serve as the command post to monitor all election-related concerns of public school teachers, especially the report of harassment to teachers beginning Sunday morning until Tuesday night, May 14, 2013. Dubbed as “Proteksiyon sa mga Guro, Proteksiyon sa ating Boto” the post will document untoward incidents like harassment, cheating, intimidation, emergency situation or any election-related concerns of public school teachers during May 13, 2013 polls.

Emmalyn Policarpio, the group’s Secretary-General and teacher from Valenzuela City said they will be monitoring the field especially the situation of teachers before, during and immediately after the elections. “We will work like call center agents to accommodate reports from teachers.” She said. “This is our own way of helping our fellow teachers who are tasked to ensure the success of our elections on Monday.”

Several teacher-volunteers who will not sit as BEI on Monday and who are deactivated from voters’ list will man the Command Post and they are tasked to monitor and document the field situation and provide any possible assistance from the organization and concerned agencies.

The Command post will closely coordinate with government and private agencies specifically the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Law Enforcement Units (PNP etc.), election watchdogs and the media. This is the second time that TDC launched such command post just as they did in 2010. TDC members from all over the Philippines will provide the first-hand information from their respective localities.

“Reports that we gathered during 2010 elections were sent to Comelec and DepEd and served as reference for their policies. W call on all our teachers and concerned citizens to reveal all the ”irregularities or any untoward incidents, we need vigilant people to protect our teachers and this democratic exercise.” Policarpio ended. #

NEWS RELEASE
May 10, 2013

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition
“Unity of Teachers to Regain the Dignity of Teaching Profession”
SEC Registration Number: CN 2007-10645
117-C Matatag St., Bgy. Central, Quezon City
Hotline: (02)3853437 • Telefax (02)4350036 • Mobile: 0920-5740241/ 0920-4142614
Email: teachersdignity@yahoo.com.ph • Website: http://www.teachersdignity.com/

Press Release

[Press Release] TDC welcomes house approval of insurance for teachers in poll duties

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

TDC welcomes house approval of insurance for teachers in poll duties

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomes the House approval of HB 6528, authored by Rep. Juliet Cortuna of A Teacher Party List. The bill provides an insurance package for election personnel including public school teachers tasked to perform election duties during national and local elections as chairmen and members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).

TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas, a teacher of Caloocan City who regularly attends to election tasks since his entry in public school in 2002 said that they are grateful that the Congress finally decides on the matter which for him “is long been overdue.” The TDC, he said is continuously lobbying both in Congress and in Comelec for the amendment of omnibus election code to effect the optional poll duties of teachers. He continued, “However, despite the lobby effort of the DepEd secretary himself, Comelec and even some lawmakers are reluctant to discuss the bill because according to them, teachers are the most fit for the job, given their integrity, credibility and familiarity to the community.”

Basas also said that since teachers have no right to refuse the appointment, they want to at least ensure that they will be protected from all forms of danger- harassment, physical attack, health risk and accusation of cheating.

Early last month, the group sat in a dialogue with Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. to discuss the demands of the teachers for 2013 elections.

“The honorable chair assured us that they will provide insurance to cover all the teachers who will sit as members and chairmen of the BEI in next year’s polls.” Basas said. “Another thing that the COMELEC will set aside is the fund for legal defense of teachers who will be charged of cheating or any election offense by losing candidates especially is there is an obvious indication that those are only meant to harass teachers.” Basas continued.

In September 14, the TDC submitted the list of their demands that includes insurance, 24-hour presence of law enforcement units and deployment of medical team in the vicinity of polling places, 100 percent increase in per diem, reduction of number of voters’ per clustered precincts and optional duties or provision of hazard pay in places declared as areas of immediate concerns or election hot spots.

“The Chairman actually responded positively and we hope that matters that are not beyond Comelec control would materialize.” Basas ended.

For details:
Benjo Basas, Chairperson 0920-5740241/ (02)385-3437