By Joselle Badilla
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:41:00 02/10/2010
Filed Under: Government, Education, Wages & Pensions
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has started introducing strict measures to prevent illegal deductions from the salaries of public school teachers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Hamid Barra, DepEd ARMM secretary, said the enforcement of strict measures to stop illegal salary deductions was part of Acting Governor Ansaruddin Adiong's campaign to protect the welfare of the region's teachers.
Measures against illegal deductions were first implemented in Lanao del Sur, where up to 10,000 teachers were said to have been hit by the deductions.
According to Barra, paychecks are now being given directly to the teachers.
On February 6, Barra personally handed the January checks of teachers from the five school divisions in Lanao del Sur during a meeting held at the provincial capitol gym in Marawi City.
"I was directed by Governor Adiong to make sure that no teacher will go home without his paycheck," he said.
The distribution of the checks spared the teachers from shelling out up to P1,700 per month in contributions prescribed by local education officials, he said.
Barra also warned he would prosecute erring education officials who insist on making deductions from teachers’ paychecks.
"We mean business this time," he said.
Barra said the January paychecks of teachers in Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi were distributed through the "usual process" at the division levels.
"He (Adiong) also wants reforms in the DepEd-ARMM. We have the same concerns," Barra said.
Adiong became the region's top leader following his appointment by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on December 11.
Adiong, ARMM vice governor, was named acting governor after the arrest and detention of ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan over his alleged involvement in the Maguindanao massacre.
Barra revealed a plan to investigate the sale of teaching posts.
According to reports received by DepEd-ARMM, applicants have been asked to shell out up to P150,000 to get appointed as teachers.
Barra also warned fixers in the DepEd that they would be sanctioned if proven to have been involved in the "selling of appointments."
"There will be no sale of items. For those who passed the (licensure) examination, give them what they deserve. Items are not for sale," he said.
The DepEd-ARMM will hold a management audit to assess the teachers' conformity with the standing rules and regulation of the department, and verify the personnel and finances of a school or office, according to Barra.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100210-252423/DepEd-ARMM
