By: Andrea Eleanor Cabaron
House Bill 9106 seeks to exempt public education teachers from government tax originating from salaries and allowances. Photo courtesy of PhilStar.
House Representative Rufus Rodriguez files House Bill (HB) 9106, pushing to give tax exemptions for public school teachers as a non-wage benefit.
HB 9106 provides that "all salaries, wages, allowances, and benefits granted to public school teachers, including those in state colleges and universities at all levels shall be exempted from the withholding taxes as provided for by pertinent laws, rules and regulations pertaining to withholding taxes."
The policy prioritizes education by allocating the highest budgetary resources to ensure that teaching attracts and retains top talent with fair compensation and job satisfaction.
The act is committed to enhancing the economic well-being of all public school teachers, including those in State colleges and universities, increasing their take home pay and exempting all allowances and benefits from taxation.
PH Education Crisis
According to Philippine Business for Education (PBeD), the Philippine education system is in “crisis”.
As stated in PBEd's 2023 State of Philippine Education Report, among the most urgent concerns that require attention are the worsening mental health of students and instructors, the lack of support for teachers, the culture of "mass promotion" of learners, and the absence of appropriate evaluations.
On the commemoration of World Teacher’s Day last October 5, 2023, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines led teachers, education workers, and students to march from Espana Boulevard to the Mendiola Arch.
ACT Philippines have raised seven (7) demands to the Malacanang.
“May pito kaming pinaglalaban na ihahain namin at idudulog sa Malacanang. Pangunahin ang pagtaas ng sahod, usapin ng mga benepisyo, at irechannel yung confidential at intelligence fund at ibasura ang K-12,” says Vladimir Quetua, Chairperson of ACT-NCR.
Effectivity
In the budget bill for 2024, the House of Representatives took confidential money away from five government organizations.
The money was transferred to organizations tasked with defending the Philippine nation's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
The Vice President's proposal for confidential funds was rejected by the House due to transparency concerns.
The act being proposed shall take effect 15 days after its complete publication in any two newspapers of general circulation.