Senators Pangilinan, Aquino, Drilon slammed Diokno for remarks vs. teachers’ pay hike

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno were slammed by Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Franklin Drilon on his comment that a pay raise for teachers was “not a priority at this time” calling him insensitive and heartless.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Diokno said that an increase in teachers’ salaries, which would cost around P500 trillion, was not the priority of the administration. 

“I think that is not our priority at this time. Our priority is ‘Build, Build, Build’ and social protection,” said Diokno, referring to the administration’s ambitious infrastructure plan.

 Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno

“It should be studied carefully. We don’t want a budget that is purely for salaries. I don’t think Filipinos taxpayers would like that,” the budget secretary added.

President of Liberal Party, Senator Pangilinan said Diokno’s statement was not the proper way to treat public school teachers.

"It’s not certainly the way to treat our public school teachers, who have been seeking government’s help for higher salaries and additional benefits so that they can live decently," he said in a joint statement.

"Beyond their traditional mission in the classrooms, teachers are mentors and influencers of the youth and of the community. Their critical role in nation-building could not be overlooked," he added.

For Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s part, he said that Diokno “has no reason to whine about the cost” of a pay hike for teachers, since the government has just doubled the salaries of soldiers, cops, and other uniformed personnel."

"Instead of slamming the doors on the plea of the teachers, Secretary Diokno should use his wise judgment and skills to find the funds and put money where it is most needed. Investments on the country’s human resources, especially our teachers, can never go wrong," Drilon said. 

For his part, Senator Bam Aquino said teachers have “legitimate demands” as their work requires dedication and hard work.

"They have legitimate demands and are not shielded from the impact of higher prices of goods and services, especially with the TRAIN law in place,” he said.

"Gaya ng sundalo at pulis, gumagamit din sila ng gasolina, bumibili ng pagkain at iba pang gastusin na nagtaas na dahil sa TRAIN law," he added.

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Source: GMA News Online