In line with Labor Day celebrations, Senator Win Gatchalian reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of educators by pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2493, which seeks to amend the 58-year-old Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670).

The proposed Revised Magna Carta aims to update the law to better reflect the current needs of teachers, introducing key reforms such as calamity leave, educational allowances, longevity pay, and improved salary standards. It also ensures that probationary teachers receive the same or better compensation and benefits as entry-level teachers, and protects them from having to shoulder out-of-pocket expenses for classroom needs.

A significant feature of the bill is the prohibition of non-teaching duties for educators, along with a proposal to reduce classroom teaching hours from six to four per day to ease workloads and enhance work-life balance.

“Nakikiisa tayo sa panawagan ng mga guro para sa mas maayos na mga benepisyo at pagtaguyod sa kanilang kapakanan. Napapanahon na upang amyendahan ang Magna Carta upang gawin itong mas akma sa kasalukuyang panahon,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

The senator emphasized that meaningful reform for public school teachers is long overdue and remains a priority in the Senate’s education agenda.