ACT Teachers Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio cited the latest Octa Research survey showing that wage increases are now the top national concern of Filipinos as validation of the urgent need to pass House Bill 203, which seeks to raise the entry-level salary of public school teachers to P50,000, and to implement an across-the-board national wage increase for all workers.
“Ang resulta ng Octa survey ay malinaw na mensahe mula sa taumbayan: hindi sapat ang sahod para harapin ang taas-presyo. When 45 percent of Filipinos say wage increase is their top concern—overtaking even inflation control—it means workers can no longer cope with the cost of living,” Tinio said.
The Octa Research Tugon ng Masa survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025 showed that improving or increasing workers’ wages and salaries is now cited by 45 percent of adult Filipinos as their top national concern, surpassing controlling the rising prices of basic goods and services at 41 percent. Price control had been the leading national concern consistently since the first quarter of 2022.
“This is a damning indictment of this administration’s economic policies. Inflation may have slowed, but workers’ purchasing power has not recovered. Ang tunay na solusyon ay taasan ang sahod, hindi maghintay na bumaba ang presyo,” Tinio emphasized.
Tinio pointed out that teachers are among the most affected by stagnant wages amid rising costs. “Our public school teachers are struggling to make ends meet. Many are forced to take on side jobs, borrow money, or skimp on their own families’ needs just to survive. This is unacceptable for professionals who shape the future of our nation.”
House Bill 203, filed by the Makabayan bloc led by Tinio, seeks to increase the minimum salary of public school teachers to P50,000. The bill recognizes that the current salary structure—starting at around P29,000 for Teacher I positions—is grossly inadequate given the rising cost of food, transportation, housing, and other basic needs.
“Ang P50,000 entry salary para sa guro ay hindi luho—ito ay pangangailangan. Teachers deserve a living wage that reflects their vital role in society and allows them to live with dignity,” Tinio said.
Beyond teachers, Tinio also reiterated the call for a national wage increase for all workers, both in the public and private sectors. “Lahat ng manggagawa—whether in government, factories, call centers, or farms—deserve a substantial wage hike. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards have consistently failed to grant meaningful increases. We need bold, decisive action from Congress and the President.”
Tinio noted that the same Octa survey showed that having enough to eat every day remains a top personal concern for 44 percent of Filipinos, and that having a secure and well-paying job is a concern for 38 percent.
“These numbers expose the harsh reality: millions of Filipinos are working but still cannot afford to feed their families properly. Ito ang kahihiyan ng isang ekonomiya na umiikot sa interes ng mayayaman habang ang manggagawa ay naghihirap,” he said.
“The government must respond to the people’s demand. Pass House Bill 203. Implement a national wage increase. Stop prioritizing debt payments and military spending over the welfare of workers and their families. Kung hindi, ang hirap ng buhay ng mamamayan ay patuloy na lalala,” Tinio ended. #
