MEMBERS of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines held a lightning rally in front of Malacañang on Monday, one day ahead of World Teachers’ Day, to press for better wages, improved benefits, and increased budgetary support for the education sector.
The group’s core demands include raising the entry‑level salary of public school teachers to ₱50,000, increasing the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) to ₱5,000, and allocating the equivalent of 6% of the country’s gross domestic product to education. ACT stated that these measures are urgently needed to address shortages in teaching personnel, the deteriorating state of school facilities, and the persisting learning crisis affecting millions of students nationwide.
The protest also carried a strong call for accountability, with teachers criticizing the Marcos administration over alleged widespread corruption and mismanagement of public funds while critical social services remain underfunded.
ACT Secretary‑General Raymond Basilio said educators have long been seeking decent pay, better benefits, and adequate resources, but claimed their pleas have been met with nothing more than “sweet words and promises.”
“For a long time now, the Marcos Jr. administration has simply brushed aside our urgent and reasonable demands with empty praise and rhetoric,” Basilio asserted, challenging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to demonstrate recognition of teachers not through speeches, but through tangible improvements in their working conditions and livelihood.
Basilio further argued that sufficient funds exist to meet their demands if public revenue and the national treasury are managed properly.
“Enough of the lie that the government has no money to give us what we need,” he declared, denouncing what the group describes as wasteful spending and corruption in government. ACT has announced plans for a major mobilization and march to Mendiola on October 5 — World Teachers’ Day — drawing together thousands of teachers, education workers, other government employees, and representatives from various sectors. The event will be held under the theme: “Higher pay, not more work! Defend our rights and welfare, adequate budget and patriotic education!”
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