TEACHERS RIGHTS

Teachers have long been touted as our “modern day heroes” (way before overseas workers became
honored as such). Teachers’ indispensable role in education, the competence and integrity that they
uphold, as well as their active community involvement draw worthy admiration from the entire
society that benefits from their work.
Rights and privileges of all teachers in the Philippines:
Authority, respect, and protection1 -- “Teachers and school administrators are persons in authority
when in lawful discharge of duties and responsibilities… [and] shall therefore be accorded due
respect and protection.”2
Fair wages -- “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 and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.”3
Punishment against attackers -- “This [imposes]... a penalty of imprisonment ranging from six
months and one day to six years and a fine ranging from 500 to 1, 000 pesos upon any person found
guilty of assault upon those teaching personnel.”1
Professional development -- “The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional
advancement.”3
Freedom of expression -- “Free expression of opinions and suggestions...”2
Labor group participation2 -- “Establish, join, maintain labor organization of their choice to
promote their welfare and defend their interest.”4
Free legal services -- “To be provided with free legal service by the appropriate government office
in case of public school personnel and the school authorities concerned in case of private school
personnel, when charged in administrative, civil and/or criminal proceedings, by parties other than
the school authorities concerned, for actions committed directly in the lawful discharge of
professional duties and/or in defense of school policies.”2
Freedom from non-compensated mandatory assignment -- “Right to be free from compulsory
assignment not related to their duties defined in their appointment or employment contracts unless
compensated thereof.”2
Freedom from extraneous contributions -- “To be free from involuntary contributions except those
imposed by their own organizations.”2
Right to intellectual property2
Career alternatives -- “Teachers shall be given opportunity to choose career alternatives for
advancements.”2
Educators in the Philippines deserve to (and ought to) be aware of these benefits that are part and
parcel of their role. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that the best privilege of teachers is having the
influence to mold young minds and the power to change the world for the better through the noble
act of teaching.
Classifications of Rights 

Natural Rights. These are the rights inherent to man and given to him by God as a human being.
Examples of these rights are the right to live, love and be happy.  Constitutional Rights. These are
the rights guaranteed under the fundamental charter of the country.
Statutory Rights. These are rights provided by the law – making body of a country or by law, such as
the right to receive a minimum wage and the right to preliminary investigation.
Civil Rights. These are the rights specified under the Bill of Rights, such as the freedom of speech,
right to information. They are the rights enjoyed by an individual by virtue of his citizenship in a
shape or community.
Political Rights. These are rights an individual enjoys as a consequence of being a member of a body
politic. Some examples of political rights are the following: right to vote, right to be voted into
public office.
The Constitutional Rights of Filipino Citizens
11. Due Process. Due process is a law that hears before it condemns. This clause in our fundamental
charter means that no person shall be deprived of his life, liberty or property unless due process is
observed. In other words, a Filipino citizen can be deprived of his life, liberty or property provided
he is given the chance to defend himself.
12. Equal Protection of the Law. This refers to equality in the enjoyment of similar rights and
privileges granted by law. Thus, no reason shall be deprived of the same protection of laws enjoyed
by other persons in the same place and in similar circumstance.
13. Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. As stated in the Constitution of the
Philippines, the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against
unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose should be inviolable
and that no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall be issued except upon probable cause to be
determined personally by judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and
the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons
or things to be seized (Sec. 2, Article 3)