Filipino teachers protest low wages, corruption on World Teachers' Day

Filipino teachers marked World Teachers' Day with protests nationwide, demanding reforms and accountability amid a corruption scandal.

Protesters in Manila marched to Mendiola, calling for a higher education budget and better wages.

The Alliance for Concerned Teachers (ACT) organized events to highlight the government's perceived poor offers to the education sector.

Teachers' grievances include heavy workloads, low salaries, subject cuts, alleged militarization of schools, and inadequate school infrastructure.

ACT criticized the government's alleged corrupt practices in infrastructure projects and fund mismanagement, stating teachers and students receive no benefits from this 'rotten system'.

The Department of Education (DepEd) acknowledged the issues and assured that it is in continuous dialogue with teacher representatives, committing to take 'meaningful action'.

ACT warned that larger protest actions would be launched if the government ignores their demands.