Republic Act No.
4670 (Wilmar)
The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers
SALIENT POINTS:
The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers was created under Republic Act
4670; passed on June 18, 1966
Its policy declares the promotion and improvement of the public school
teachers in:
o Social and economic status;
o Living and working conditions;
o Terms and employment; and
o Career prospect.
It attracts and retains in the teaching profession people with the proper
qualifications.
o How will the state insure that teaching will attract and retain its
rightful share of the best available talents?
Through adequate renumeration and other means of job
satisfaction and fulfillment.
It strengthens the stability of the teaching profession in the public school
system.
This act applies to all public school teachers except those in the professional
staff of state colleges and universities.
“Teacher” – all persons engaged in classroom teaching in any level of
instruction, on full time basis.
DUE PROCESS
Dismissal for legitimate reasons follow rules established for protecting the
rights of teachers. This process contains certain elements:
The teacher must be given timely, detailed, written notice of the
charges.
The teacher must be accorded sufficient time to prepare defense.
The teacher has the right to be represented by legal counsel.
The teacher may present written or oral evidence, including
witnesses.
The teacher may cross-examine witnesses and challenge
evidence.
The teacher shall be heard by an impartial body.
The teacher has the right to appeal to a higher body.
SIGNIFICANT FEATURES
The right against transfer from one station to another without the teacher’s
consent (except for a cause).
The right for a married couple, both of whom are school teachers, to be
employed in the same locality whenever possible.
The right to enjoy academic freedom, that which, upholds the teacher’s rights to
freely discuss topics or issues within their field of expertise.
The right to additional compensation for services in excess of six hours of actual
classroom teaching, hardship allowance, automatic retirement promotion,
clothing allowance, chalk allowance, productivity, etc.
The right to enjoy free physical examination and free medical treatment or
hospitalization.
The right to one-year study leave with pay equivalent to 60% salary after 7
years of service.
The right to enjoy one range salary raise upon retirement, which shall be the
basis of the retirement pay and monthly benefit thereafter.
The freedom to organize and join organizations, local or national.
WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER?
No probationary period preceding regular appointment;
Consent for transfer;
Safeguards in disciplinary procedure;
Administrative charges shall be heard by a committee;
Teacher shall not be required to render more than 6 hours of actual classroom
teaching;
Additional compensation;
Salary grade – gradual progression from a minimum to a maximum salary by
means of regular increments granted automatically every 3 years /
satisfactory / maximum level within 10 years;
Special hardship allowance;
Deductions prohibited;
Medical examinations and treatment;
Compensation for injuries (Physical and nervous strain is recognized as
compensable occupational disease);
Study leave;
Freedom to organize;
Discrimination against teachers prohibited;
Security of tenure;
Productivity incentive benefit;
Year-end bonus and cash gift (in service as of 31 of October each year)
