The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill mandating a career progression system for primary, secondary and senior high public school teachers and defining a clear line of promotion for educators in the public education system.
With an overwhelming 197 votes, lawmakers approved House Bill (HB) No. 10270 or the “Career Progression System for Public School Teachers Act,” which was introduced as the consolidated measure for HB No. 1580 authored by Tingog Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre and HB 3554 filed by then Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto, now the Secretary of Finance.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez lauded the approval on final reading of the measure, saying this will provide a clear promotion system for public school teachers and recognize their competence and efforts in their profession.
“Nagagalak tayo at naipasa natin ang panukalang ito na magsusulong ng kapakanan ng halos isang milyong mga guro sa ating public schools. This measure is proof that we are one with the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. in advancing the welfare of all sectors of society,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus members House of Representatives.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez said the primary objectives of HB 10270 are to promote professional growth and enhance the welfare of public school teachers, put a premium on classroom effectiveness, and advance their status and compensation.
“We hope that once enacted into law, this measure will further motivate our public school teachers to strive for excellence in teaching the country’s next generations and reward their efforts,” she said.
The bill institutionalizes a career progression system for public school teachers and creates a clear career progression line for educators within the public school system.
Co-authors of the bill include Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and Reps. Roman Romulo, Elizaldy Co, Laarni Lavin Roque, Jaime, Fresnedi, France Castro, Charisse Anne Hernandez, Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, Paolo Duterte, Leody “Odie” Tarriela, Ciriaco Gato Jr., Maximo Dalog Jr., Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar, Salvador Pleyto, Rhea Mae Gullas, Eric Go Yap, Sittie Aminah Dimaporo, Eulogio Rodriguez, Irene Gay Saulog, Marie Bernadette Escudero, Dale Corvera, Maria Carmen Zamora, Carl Nicolas Cari, Marjorie Ann Teodoro, Jose Gay Padiernos, Jernie Jett Nisay, Maria Fe Abunda, Eduardo Rama Jr., Peter Miguel, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Gabriel Bordado Jr., Joey Salceda, Steve Chiongbian Solon, Stella Luz Quimbo and Jose “Joboy” Aquino,
Also among the co-authors were Reps. Dante Garcia, EddiebongPlaza, Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Bonifacio Bosita, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Alfelito "Alfel Bascug, Ron Salo, Josefina Tallado, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, Joseph Gilbert Violago, Peter John Calderon, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Midy Cua, Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, Jose Alvarez, Maria Rachel Arenas, Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., Alfonso Umali Jr. Rosanna “Ria” Vergara, Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, Edwin Gardiola, Joseph Tan, Ricardo Cruz Jr., Ambrosio Cruz Jr., Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag, Arnan Panaligan, Christian Unabia, Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon, Anthony Rolando Golez Jr., Emerson Pascual, Sergio Dagooc, Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino, Eleandro Madrona, Mario Vittorio "Marvey" Mariño, Carlito Marquez, Khymer Adan Olaso, Johnny Pimentel, Geraldine Roman, Christian Tell Yap, Bai Dimple Mastura, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, Kristene Alexie Tutor, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Jane Castro, Noel “Bong” Rivera, Keith Micah Tan and Camille Villar.
One of the salient provisions of HB 10270 is authorizing the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to create five new positions: Teacher IV, V, VI, VII and Master Teacher V, and develop their compensations and salary grades.
It also allows incumbent head teachers to retain their positions and career progression lines under the current career progression, or otherwise apply for reclassification or retitling of their current position to the appropriate position under the Expanded Career Progression.
HB 10270 likewise prohibits the demotion in rank and/or diminution of salary, benefits and other privileges of incumbent employees granted under existing laws.
It prescribes that teachers shall be promoted based on merit, fitness and competence after a Comprehensive Performance Assessment and, as a consequence, natural vacancy, quota, ratio-and-proportion and the like shall no longer be considered as a basis for promoting teachers.
Under the measure teachers who shall receive a grade of ineffective for two successive assessments are required to undergo a remedial program.
The DBM is also mandated to ensure the availability of funds for the promotion of teachers, which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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