Local ACT: Repeal TRAIN Law, RA 10912

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Negros Occidental chairman Gualberto Dajao said his group will be protesting tomorrow, February 21, as part of a nationwide demonstration demanding higher wages for teachers following the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

He said they will begin their demonstration in front of the Rizal Elementary School, lead a march to the Bacolod Public Plaza, and end with a program in front of the Fountain of Justice at the old Bacolod City Hall.

Dajao added, they are also calling for the release of performance-based bonuses, which he claims have not been issued since 2016.

In addition, the group would like to see the TRAIN Law abolished; along with repealing RA 10912, the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, which seeks to ensure continuous professional development for all regulated professions.

Earlier this week, ACT-Negros Occidental agreed to participate in the upcoming May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections after the Bacolod City Commission on Elections (Comelec) satisfied their demands.

Their stipulations included requiring the local Comelec to assist any teacher involved in an electoral protest; ensuring honorariums are distributed on time, which, Dajao pointed out, half is supposed to be distributed a day before the elections and the other half after polls are closed; and providing seven days of service credits instead of the current five./DGB, WDJ