Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Thursday urged the Department of Education to push for policies that would increase the salaries and benefits of teachers nationwide.

In his manifestation in a plenary session, Go cited the previous hearings wherein Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman earlier mentioned that around P17 billion was already earmarked for Salary Standardization Law 6 in the proposed 2024 budget.

"With this, government workers may expect increases in salary next year. Sana po ay matuloy ito at isa po ako sa magsusulong nito at kasama po dito ang ating mga teachers. Nevertheless, I just want to take this opportunity to urge the DepEd to push for the needed increase in salaries and allowances of teachers," he added.

Go also stressed the government should look into other benefits that can be given to teachers aside from their salaries.

"Despite the pressing challenges in public education during the pandemic, teachers were able to adapt and respond to the challenging work situations. They went above and beyond to ensure the delivery of education for their learners," he said.

"It is therefore just incumbent upon us to recognize their devotion and invaluable contribution to the formation of our youth and society," he added.

On the other hand, Go welcomed Vice President Sara Duterte's decision to drop her push for acquiring confidential funds for the DepEd.

"Hinahangaan ko po si Vice President Sara Duterte for no longer pursuing the request for confidential funds so that we could already settle this divisive issue. Nananatiling buo po ang aking tiwala at matatag ang aking suporta sa kanya," he said.

"I have no doubt that with the leadership of Vice President Duterte and the continued support of all stakeholders, the Department of Education will achieve even greater milestones for our students and the education sector as a whole," he added.