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Ang Batas, Sa Simpleng Salita — your rights, finally explained.

Republic Act No. 4670· Enacted 1966-06-18

Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670) — BatasKo ELI5

Alamin ang mga karapatan ng mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan — sahod, seguridad sa trabaho, leave, at proteksyon. Know your rights under RA 4670 Philippines.

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Ang Batas sa Madaling Salita— ELI5

RA 4670 is the law that protects public school teachers in the Philippines. It sets rules on how much they can teach per day, how they must be paid, and how they can be disciplined fairly. If you are a teacher in a government school — from kinder to college — this law is your shield.

Official text — Republic Act No. 4670

Jump to section ↓36 sections

Preamble

REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 June 18, 1966

THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS

I. DECLARATION OF POLICY COVERAGE

Section 1

Section 1.

Declaration of Policy.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act to promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order that they may compare favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract and retain in the teaching profession more people with the proper qualifications, it being recognized that advance in education depends on the qualifications and ability of the teaching staff and that education is an essential factor in the economic growth of the nation as a productive investment of vital importance.

Section 2

Section 2.

Title Definition.

This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public School Teachers" and shall apply to all public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities.

As used in this Act, the term "teacher" shall mean all persons engaged in classroom teaching, in any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or its political subdivisions; but shall not include school nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees.

II. RECRUITMENT AND CAREER

Section 3 — Recruitment and Qualification.→

Section 3.

Recruitment and Qualification.

Recruitment policy with respect to the selection and appointment of teachers shall be clearly defined by the Department of Education:

Provided

,

however

, That effective upon the approval of this Act, the following shall constitute the minimum educational qualifications for teacher-applicants:

(a) For teachers in the kindergarten and elementary grades, Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (B.S.E.ED.);

(b) For teachers of the secondary schools, Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent with a major and a minor; or a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science with at least eighteen professional units in Education.

(c) For teachers of secondary vocational and two years technical courses, Bachelor's degree in the field of specialization with at least eighteen professional units in education;

(d) For teachers of courses on the collegiate level, other than vocational, master's degree with a specific area of specialization;

Provided, further, That in the absence of applicants who possess the minimum educational qualifications as hereinabove provided, the school superintendent may appoint, under a temporary status, applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications:

Provided

, further, That should teacher-applicants, whether they possess the minimum educational qualifications or not, be required to take competitive examinations, preference in making appointments shall be in the order of their respective ranks in said competitive examinations: And provided, finally, That the results of the examinations shall be made public and every applicant shall be furnished with his score and rank in said examinations.

Section 4 — Probationary Period.→

Section 4.

Probationary Period.

When recruitment takes place after adequate training and professional preparation in any school recognized by the Government, no probationary period preceding regular appointment shall be imposed if the teacher possesses the appropriate civil service eligibility:

Provided

,

however

, That where, due to the exigencies of the service, it is necessary to employ as teacher a person who possesses the minimum educational qualifications herein above set forth but lacks the appropriate civil service eligibility, such person shall be appointed on a provisional status and shall undergo a period of probation for not less than one year from and after the date of his provisional appointment.

Section 5 — Tenure of Office.→

Section 5.

Tenure of Office.

Stability on employment and security of tenure shall be assured the teachers as provided under existing laws.

Subject to the provisions of Section three hereof, teachers appointed on a provisional status for lack of necessary civil service eligibility shall be extended permanent appointment for the position he is holding after having rendered at least ten years of continuous, efficient and faithful service in such position.

Section 6 — Consent for Transfer Transportation Expenses.→

Section 6.

Consent for Transfer Transportation Expenses.

Except for cause and as herein otherwise provided, no teacher shall be transferred without his consent from one station to another.

Where the exigencies of the service require the transfer of a teacher from one station to another, such transfer may be effected by the school superintendent who shall previously notify the teacher concerned of the transfer and the reason or reasons therefor. If the teacher believes there is no justification for the transfer, he may appeal his case to the Director of Public Schools or the Director of Vocational Education, as the case may be. Pending his appeal and the decision thereon, his transfer shall be held in abeyance:

Provided

,

however

, That no transfers whatever shall be made three months before any local or national election.

Necessary transfer expenses of the teacher and his family shall be paid for by the Government if his transfer is finally approved.

Show 29 more sections +→
Section 7 — Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers.→

Section 7.

Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers.

Within six months from the approval of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare a Code of Professional Conduct for Public School Teachers. A copy of the Code shall be furnished each teacher:

Provided

,

however

, That where this is not possible by reason of inadequate fiscal resources of the Department of Education, at least three copies of the same Code shall be deposited with the office of the school principal or head teacher where they may be accessible for use by the teachers.

Section 8 — Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure.→

Section 8.

Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure.

Every teacher shall enjoy equitable safeguards at each stage of any disciplinary procedure and shall have:

a. the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;

b. the right to full access to the evidence in the case;

c. the right to defend himself and to be defended by a representative of his choice and/or by his organization, adequate time being given to the teacher for the preparation of his defense; and

d. the right to appeal to clearly designated authorities.

No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being taken against a teacher during the pendency of his case.

Section 9 — Administrative Charges.→

Section 9.

Administrative Charges.

Administrative charges against a teacher shall be heard initially by a committee composed of the corresponding School Superintendent of the Division or a duly authorized representative who should at least have the rank of a division supervisor, where the teacher belongs, as chairman, a representative of the local or, in its absence, any existing provincial or national teacher's organization and a supervisor of the Division, the last two to be designated by the Director of Public Schools. The committee shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Director of Public Schools within thirty days from the termination of the hearings:

Provided

,

however

, That where the school superintendent is the complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education.

Section 10 — No Discrimination.→

Section 10.

No Discrimination.

There shall be no discrimination whatsoever in entrance to the teaching profession, or during its exercise, or in the termination of services, based on other than professional consideration.

Section 11 — Married Teachers.→

Section 11.

Married Teachers.

Whenever possible, the proper authorities shall take all steps to enable married couples, both of whom are public school teachers, to be employed in the same locality.

Section 12 — Academic Freedom.→

Section 12.

Academic Freedom.

Teachers shall enjoy academic freedom in the discharge of their professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods.

III. HOURS OF WORK AND REMUNERATION

Section 13 — Teaching Hours.→

Section 13.

Teaching Hours.

Any teacher engaged in actual classroom instruction shall not be required to render more than six hours of actual classroom teaching a day, which shall be so scheduled as to give him time for the preparation and correction of exercises and other work incidental to his normal teaching duties:

Provided

,

however

, That where the exigencies of the service so require, any teacher may be required to render more than six hours but not exceeding eight hours of actual classroom teaching a day upon payment of additional compensation at the same rate as his regular remuneration plus at least twenty-five per cent of his basic pay.

Section 14 — Additional Compensation.→

Section 14.

Additional Compensation.

Notwithstanding any provision of existing law to the contrary, co-curricula and out of school activities and any other activities outside of what is defined as normal duties of any teacher shall be paid an additional compensation of at least twenty-five per cent of his regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at least six hours of actual classroom teaching a day.

In the case of other teachers or school officials not engaged in actual classroom instruction, any work performed in excess of eight hours a day shall be paid an additional compensation of at least twenty-five per cent of their regular remuneration.

The agencies utilizing the services of teachers shall pay the additional compensation required under this section.

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Education authorities shall refuse to allow the rendition of services of teachers for other government agencies without the assurance that the teachers shall be paid the remuneration provided for under this section.

Section 15 — Criteria for Salaries.→

Section 15.

Criteria for Salaries.

Teacher's salaries shall correspond to the following criteria:

(a) they shall compare favorably with those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent or similar qualifications, training and abilities;

(b) they shall be such as to insure teachers a reasonable standard of life for themselves and their families; and

(c) they shall be properly graded so as to recognize the fact that certain positions require higher qualifications and greater responsibility than others:

Provided

,

however

, That the general salary scale shall be such that the relation between the lowest and highest salaries paid in the profession will be of reasonable order. Narrowing of the salary scale shall be achieved by raising the lower end of the salary scales relative to the upper end.

Section 16 — Salary Scale.→

Section 16.

Salary Scale.

Salary scales of teachers shall provide for a gradual progression from a minimum to a maximum salary by means of regular increments, granted automatically after three years:

Provided

, That the efficiency rating of the teacher concerned is at least satisfactory. The progression from the minimum to the maximum of the salary scale shall not extend over a period of ten years.

Section 17 — Equality in Salary Scales.→

Section 17.

Equality in Salary Scales.

The salary scales of teachers whose salaries are appropriated by a city, municipal, municipal district, or provincial government, shall not be less than those provided for teachers of the National Government.

Section 18 — Cost of Living Allowance.→

Section 18.

Cost of Living Allowance.

Teacher's salaries shall, at the very least, keep pace with the rise in the cost of living by the payment of a cost-of-living allowance which shall automatically follow changes in a cost-of-living index. The Secretary of Education shall, in consultation with the proper government entities, recommend to Congress, at least annually, the appropriation of the necessary funds for the cost-of-living allowances of teachers employed by the National Government. The determination of the cost-of-living allowances by the Secretary of Education shall, upon approval of the President of the Philippines, be binding on the city, municipal or provincial government, for the purposes of calculating the cost-of-living allowances of teachers under its employ.

Section 19 — Special Hardship Allowances.→

Section 19.

Special Hardship Allowances.

In areas in which teachers are exposed to hardship such as difficulty in commuting to the place of work or other hazards peculiar to the place of employment, as determined by the Secretary of Education, they shall be compensated special hardship allowances equivalent to at least twenty-five per cent of their monthly salary.

Section 20 — Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender.→

Section 20.

Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender.

Salaries of teachers shall be paid in legal tender of the Philippines or its equivalent in checks or treasury warrants.

Provided

,

however

, That such checks or treasury warrants shall be cashable in any national, provincial, city or municipal treasurer's office or any banking institutions operating under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 21 — Deductions Prohibited.→

Section 21.

Deductions Prohibited.

No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from the salaries of teachers except under specific authority of law authorizing such deductions:

Provided

,

however

, That upon written authority executed by the teacher concerned, (1) lawful dues and fees owing to the Philippine Public School Teachers Association, and (2) premiums properly due on insurance policies, shall be considered deductible.

IV. HEALTH MEASURES AND INJURY BENEFITS

Section 22 — Medical Examination and Treatment.→

Section 22.

Medical Examination and Treatment.

Compulsory medical examination shall be provided free of charge for all teachers before they take up teaching, and shall be repeated not less than once a year during the teacher's professional life. Where medical examination show that medical treatment and/or hospitalization is necessary, same shall be provided free by the government entity paying the salary of the teachers.

In regions where there is scarcity of medical facilities, teachers may obtain elsewhere the necessary medical care with the right to be reimbursed for their traveling expenses by the government entity concerned in the first paragraph of this Section.

Section 23 — Compensation For Injuries.→

Section 23.

Compensation For Injuries.

Teachers shall be protected against the consequences of employment injuries in accordance with existing laws. The effects of the physical and nervous strain on the teacher's health shall be recognized as a compensable occupational disease in accordance with existing laws.

V. LEAVE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Section 24 — Study Leave.→

Section 24.

Study Leave.

In addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by teachers in the public schools, they shall be entitled to study leave not exceeding one school year after seven years of service. Such leave shall be granted in accordance with a schedule set by the Department of Education. During the period of such leave, the teachers shall be entitled to at least sixty per cent of their monthly salary:

Provided

,

however

, That no teacher shall be allowed to accumulate more than one year study leave, unless he needs an additional semester to finish his thesis for a graduate study in education or allied courses:

Provided

, further, That no compensation shall be due the teacher after the first year of such leave. In all cases, the study leave period shall be counted for seniority and pension purposes.

The compensation allowed for one year study leave as herein provided shall be subject to the condition that the teacher takes the regular study load and passes at least seventy-five per cent of his courses. Study leave of more than one year may be permitted by the Secretary of Education but without compensation.

Section 25 — Indefinite Leave.→

Section 25.

Indefinite Leave.

An indefinite sick leave of absence shall be granted to teachers when the nature of the illness demands a long treatment that will exceed one year at the least.

Section 26 — Salary Increase upon Retirement.→

Section 26.

Salary Increase upon Retirement.

Public school teachers having fulfilled the age and service requirements of the applicable retirement laws shall be given one range salary raise upon retirement, which shall be the basis of the computation of the lump sum of the retirement pay and the monthly benefits thereafter.

VI. TEACHER'S ORGANIZATION

Section 27 — Freedom to Organize.→

Section 27.

Freedom to Organize.

Public school teachers shall have the right to freely and without previous authorization both to establish and to join organizations of their choosing, whether local or national to further and defend their interests.

Section 28 — Discrimination Against Teachers Prohibited.→

Section 28.

Discrimination Against Teachers Prohibited.

The rights established in the immediately preceding Section shall be exercised without any interference or coercion. It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any acts of discrimination against teachers which are calculated to (a) make the employment of a teacher subject to the condition that he shall not join an organization, or shall relinquish membership in an organization,

(b) to cause the dismissal of or otherwise prejudice a teacher by reason of his membership in an organization or because of participation in organization activities outside school hours, or with the consent of the proper school authorities, within school hours, and (c) to prevent him from carrying out the duties laid upon him by his position in the organization, or to penalize him for an action undertaken in that capacity.

Section 29 — National Teacher's Organizations.→

Section 29.

National Teacher's Organizations.

National teachers' organizations shall be consulted in the formulation of national educational policies and professional standards, and in the formulation of national policies governing the social security of the teachers.

VII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Section 30 — Rules and Regulations.→

Section 30.

Rules and Regulations.

The Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and by such other means as the Secretary of Education deems reasonably sufficient to give interested parties general notice of such issuance.

Section 31 — Budgetary Estimates.→

Section 31.

Budgetary Estimates.

The Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress annually the necessary budgetary estimates to implement the provisions of the Act concerning the benefits herein granted to public school teachers under the employ of the National Government.

Section 32 — Penal Provision.→

Section 32.

Penal Provision.

A person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain or coerce any teacher in the exercise of his rights guaranteed by this Act or who shall in any other manner commit any act to defeat any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred pesos nor more than one thousand pesos, or by imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a public official, the court shall order his dismissal from the Government service.

Section 33 — Repealing Clause.→

Section 33.

Repealing Clause.

All Acts or parts of Acts, executive orders and their implementing rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 34 — Separability Clause.→

Section 34.

Separability Clause.

If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and in effect.

Section 35 — This Act shall take effect upon its approval.→

Section 35.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 18, 1966

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

Full text on BatasKo. Original source: Official Gazette / Lawphil.

Your principal told you to handle the school program this weekend — on top of your regular six classes a day. No extra pay. You agreed because you were afraid to say no. But under Philippine law, you didn't have to agree, and you are entitled to additional pay.

That is exactly what the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers is for.

ELI5 (Explain It Like I'm 5): RA 4670 is the teacher's Bill of Rights. It says the government must pay teachers fairly, cannot just transfer them anywhere without reason, must let them defend themselves before being punished, and must give them real leave benefits. It's been protecting teachers since 1966 — and most teachers don't even know half of it.

Real Filipino Scenario

Gina, a 34-year-old Grade 5 teacher at a public elementary school in Cagayan de Oro City, has been teaching for 9 years. Her principal asked her to handle the school's nutrition program, a science fair, and weekend community outreach — all on top of her regular teaching load.

When she asked about extra pay, her principal said, "Wala 'yan sa budget. Parte 'yan ng iyong trabaho."

Gina didn't know that under Section 14 of RA 4670, any co-curricular or out-of-school activity outside her normal duties must be compensated with at least 25% additional pay on top of her regular rate — but only after she has completed her 6 hours of actual classroom teaching that day.

She also didn't know she had the right to refuse a transfer to another school without her consent (Section 6) — her supervisor had been hinting that she'd be reassigned to a remote school if she kept asking questions.

When Gina finally read the Magna Carta, she wrote a formal memo requesting compensation. Her school division officer honored it. The law was on her side the whole time.

What the Law Actually Says

Section 2 — Who is covered: The law applies to all full-time public school teachers from kinder to secondary, including guidance counselors, school librarians, and vocational instructors. It also covers those in supervisory or administrative roles in government schools. It does not cover professors in state universities and colleges (they have a separate law).

Section 13 — Teaching Hours: You cannot be required to teach more than 6 hours per day of actual classroom instruction. If required to go beyond 6 but not more than 8 hours, you must receive your regular rate plus at least 25% extra on top.

Section 14 — Extra Activities: Any co-curricular, extracurricular, or out-of-school activity outside normal duties earns at least 25% additional compensation — but only after you have completed 6 classroom hours that day. Activities by other agencies borrowing your service must also pay this rate.

Section 6 — Protection Against Transfer: You cannot be transferred from one station to another without your consent, except for cause. If transferred without cause, you may appeal to the Director of Public Schools. Your transfer is held in abeyance while your appeal is pending. No transfers are allowed within 3 months before any election.

Section 5 — Security of Tenure: Your employment is stable under existing civil service laws. Even provisional teachers can earn permanent status after 10 continuous years of efficient and faithful service.

Section 8 — Due Process in Disciplinary Cases: If you face any administrative charge, you have the right to:

  • Be informed in writing of the charges
  • Access all evidence against you
  • Defend yourself and be represented by a lawyer or union representative
  • Appeal to proper authorities

No publicity shall be given to disciplinary proceedings while your case is pending.

Section 9 — Hearing Committee: Charges against a teacher are heard by a committee — not just the principal or superintendent alone. The committee must include a representative from your teachers' organization.

Section 19 — Hardship Allowance: Teachers assigned to remote or hard-to-reach areas are entitled to a special hardship allowance of at least 25% of monthly salary.

Section 24 — Study Leave: After 7 years of service, you may apply for a study leave of up to one school year, with at least 60% of your monthly salary paid during that time.

Section 27 — Right to Organize: You have the right to join or form teachers' organizations without needing prior government approval. No one can force you to quit a union or punish you for union membership.

Penalties (Section 32): Anyone who willfully interferes with a teacher's rights under this law faces a fine of ₱100 to ₱1,000 or imprisonment — and if the offender is a public official, they must be dismissed from government service.

What This Means for You

If you are a public school teacher in the Philippines, this law is your workplace contract with the government.

You cannot be worked to exhaustion without extra pay. You cannot be moved across the country against your will. You cannot be punished without due process. Your union rights are protected.

But here is the truth: most violations happen because teachers do not know this law exists. Keep a copy. Read it. And when your rights are violated, name the specific section.

What Most Filipinos Get Wrong

"My school will give me extra work and I just have to accept it." Hindi totoo. Extra activities beyond your 6-hour classroom day must be compensated. You can formally request additional pay. The law requires it.

"My principal can transfer me anytime." Mali. Transfers require your consent or valid cause. You can appeal and your transfer is put on hold while your appeal is reviewed.

"Administrative cases are handled only by the principal." Hindi. RA 4670 requires a proper hearing committee that includes a representative from your teachers' organization.

"Study leave means unpaid leave." Mali. After 7 years, you can take up to one school year of study leave with at least 60% pay. This is your earned right — not a privilege.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

  1. Document everything. Write down dates, amounts, orders given verbally. Keep copies of all memos and orders.
  2. Write a formal memo citing the specific section of RA 4670. Send it to your principal or school division superintendent.
  3. Contact your DepEd Division Office. Every School Division has a legal officer. File a complaint formally.
  4. Reach out to your teachers' union. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) can assist with grievances.
  5. File a complaint with the Civil Service Commission (CSC). If your rights to due process or security of tenure are violated, the CSC handles cases against government officials. Visit csc.gov.ph or call the CSC Public Assistance and Complaints Center at (02) 8932-6000.

Related Laws

  • RA 7836 — Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act (LET requirements and PRC licensing)
  • RA 4670 and the Civil Service Commission Rules — govern how government employees including teachers may be disciplined
  • RA 11494 (Bayanihan Act 2) and various DepEd orders — additional teacher protections during COVID and public emergencies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does RA 4670 apply to private school teachers? No. RA 4670 applies only to teachers in public (government) schools. Private school teachers are protected under the Labor Code and DOLE regulations.

Q: Can my principal require me to teach more than 6 hours a day? Yes, but only in cases of need — and you must be paid your regular rate plus at least 25% extra for every hour beyond 6 (up to 8 hours maximum per day under the law).

Q: What if I am a contractual or substitute teacher — am I covered? Section 2 covers all persons "engaged in classroom teaching on a full-time basis." Contractual teachers may have partial coverage depending on the nature of their appointment. Consult your Division's HR office or the CSC for your specific status.

Sources

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. For specific concerns about your employment as a teacher, consult the Department of Education, the Civil Service Commission, or a licensed Filipino lawyer. For free legal assistance, contact the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) at 1-800-10-PAO-8888.

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Legal disclaimer: BatasKo provides general legal information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a licensed Filipino lawyer or the Public Attorney's Office (PAO).

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