Manila Teachers Finally Get Long-Delayed Allowances — Isko Moreno

By Tracy Cabrera

After months of delay, public school teachers and non-teaching personnel in Manila will finally receive their long-overdue allowances, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced on Monday.

The city government began releasing the first tranche of payments — equivalent to April’s allowance — on October 7, benefiting more than 11,000 public school teachers and staff who have not been paid since April.

According to Domagoso, the city was able to release ₱25 million in back allowances after securing a ₱160-million windfall from intensified tax collection efforts targeting national government contractors operating in the capital.

“The windfall resulted from stricter fiscal management and aggressive collection of unpaid taxes from companies involved in national projects like flood control and public works,” the mayor explained. “Because of that, I’m happy to announce that we can now start paying our teachers.”

The mayor personally finalized the required documentation over the weekend to expedite the release of the long-pending stipends covering the months of April to September.

Domagoso, however, admitted that the full amount cannot yet be released due to lingering financial constraints. “Bagamat ito’y iniwan ng nakaraan, moving forward we recognize and we will recognize that obligation of the past. Kahit mahirap, kahit sumuot tayo sa karayom, iraraos natin,” he vowed.

He also extended his gratitude to the city’s educators for their patience and continued service despite the long delay.

“To our teachers — thank you for understanding. This is our small way of showing that we value your dedication and sacrifices. As more funds become available, we will continue to fulfill our obligations,” Domagoso said.

“At least man lang, to send a message: given the resources we now have, we can and we will address this obligation,”he concluded.