By: Alexis Romero (philstar.com)
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday vowed to increase the pay of teachers this year — days after his administration was criticized for allegedly red-tagging members of a teachers' group.
Duterte said he prioritized soldiers in the pay increase because of the risks they are facing.
Related Stories:
Diokno announces 2020-2022 wage hikes for gov't employees, military
Diokno: ‘Unconstitutional’ to implement salary hike without passing 2019 budget
"I was talking to (Budget Secretary Benjamin) Diokno at the year-end to find out how things could be (afforded). I told him I prioritized soldiers because I know what will happen," Duterte said during the groundbreaking of the Gregorio National High School in Bukan, Bulacan.
“Kayo ang isusunod ko this year (You will be next this year)," he added.
Duterte said he was ready to talk to representatives of teachers' groups in Malacañan to discuss the pay hike.
