The Department of Education (DepEd) is urging Congress to provide a legal basis and funding for separate compensation for public school teachers who serve as tutors under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara says DepEd wants to recognize and support the additional work teachers perform through ARAL, but also stresses that DepEd must follow existing laws and remain within its allocated budget. DepEd’s position, as described in the reports, is that teacher compensation for ARAL tutoring cannot be granted unless Congress authorizes it through the required legal framework. Both outlets report that DepEd is seeking Congress’ backing, including amending the ARAL law, to allow separate pay for ARAL teachers. The department indicates that it will provide compensation once there is a clear legal basis and sufficient funds approved to support such an arrangement. The reports do not specify the amount of additional pay or a timeline for congressional action.