MANILA - Immediate replacement of a government insurance chief is among the top agenda the teachers want President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino to look into when he assumes office.
Public school teachers from the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) trooped to the residence of Aquino in Times Street in Quezon City Monday morning to present its 10-point agenda.
Topping the list is the immediate replacement of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Winston Garcia and the cancellation of allegedly unjust and anomalous GSIS bureau.
The teachers' group also wanted to press for legal actions against Garcia and all those responsible for violating the GSIS Law.
On Sunday, teachers held a fun run along Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard seeking Garcia's removal from the bureau.
Among the teachers' complaints were the low retirement benefits, delayed posting and remittance of GSIS premiums, and benefits' deductions for loans that have not applied for.
Aside from Garcia's removal, the group also asked Aquino to provide sufficient budget to address the growing shortages in public school system; upgrade the salary of entry-level position of public elementary and secondary school teachers; ensure free and universal access to education including pre-school system; and strengthen the alternative learning system.
It urged the new administration to allocate budget to fully implement the welfare provisions of 1966 vintage Magna Carta for Public School Teachers; audit and subsequently cancel payment for anomalous and illegitimate debts and shift the funds to social services especially public health and education.
At the same time, TDC wanted Aquino to enact Magna Carta for Private School teachers to protect the innate rights and ensure the welfare of the teachers in private schools; relieve teachers from hazardous non-teaching related assignments; end contractualization of public school teachers and ensure that local government units hiring them will provide adequate remuneration for them.
It also asked to give life to the constitutional provision, which states that: "The state shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration."
Under the administration of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the salary rate of teachers is at P14,198 compared to the P10,000-rate in December 2000.
Consultative leader
Meanwhile, Malacanang on Monday told Aquino to be a consultative leader, especially in his decision to fire Armed Forces Chief Delfin Bangit.
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Elena Bautista-Horn said Aquino should have at least consult Bangit about sudden decision to avoid hurting his feelings.
"You need to be consultative if you become a President. You are not just a president of your family or supporters but also of your enemies and critics," Bautista-Horn said.
She supposed that Bangit was really hurt with the decision of Aquino without prior notice.
Among the candidates whom Aquino considered for the position are Lieutenant Generals Ricardo David, Raymundo Ferrer, and Nestor Ochoa, all belong to Philippine Military Academy Class of 1977.
Although Bangit knows that there is a slim chance for him to be retained, Bautista said a formal discussions should have been done.
Bautista-Horn believed that the situation of Bangit was being politicized, insisting that the General's appointments were done through proper procedures and rules with so much considerations.
Aquino opposed the appointment of Bangit who is believed to be a close ally of President Arroyo. (Kathrina Alvarez/Jill Beltran/Sunnex)
SOURCE:
President-elect Benigno Aquino III urged to fire Government Service Insurance System head Winston Garcia | Sun.Star Network Online
Maayo untag paminawon ni ni Pres-elect Aquino. Mapahawa na jud si Winston ani.
Aquino urged to fire GSIS chief
Originally Posted by necrotic freak
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