Gatchalian: Delayed release of teachers bonuses "unacceptable"

Senator Win Gatchalian is calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to make institutional reforms to solve the perennial issue of delays in the delivery of performance-based bonuses of public school teachers -- a problem of DepEd since school year 2012-2013.

As of now, teacher have yet to receive their bonuses for school year 2016-2017. This is the first time the delay has reached the following fiscal year. In a recent comment, Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo blamed failed biddings and delayed processing of clearances.

"The long delay in the release of these bonuses is absolutely unacceptable. Our grossly underpaid teachers rely on these bonuses to support their families and make ends meet," said Gatchalian, the vice-chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Stressing that DepEd needs to fix this problem as soon as possible, he urged DepEd to streamline their clearance processing mechanisms to ensure that no further delays will occur. "Ensuring that teachers are properly compensated for their hard work and dedication to the youth of this country is something that should be at the top of the government's To Do list. Our teachers deserve better than this," Gatchalian said.