MANILA, Philippines — A teachers’ organization is seeking more benefits for “living educators” in response to a proposed legislation that will provide funeral benefits to public school teachers.
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said it appreciates the proposal made by Sen. Nancy Binay, but added it would be more grateful if the government would provide benefits to teachers while they are still alive.
“We recognize the effort of Sen. Nancy Binay. The bill, after all, seeks to assist the teachers or their families in time of mourning and huge expenses,” TDC chairman Benjo Basas said.
“However, we would be more appreciative if the good senator and the Congress will use their oversight power to implement the provisions of Magna Carta for teachers, one of which is the mandate that teachers should be provided with annual health examination as well as hospitalization if necessary and that is for free,” he added.
Binay recently filed a Senate bill that will provide public school teachers with 20-percent discount on their funeral expenses.
“The government can do more than just providing assistance to funeral expenses,” Basas said.