Final answer:
The hiring of new teachers in public schools is primarily guided by RA 7836, the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994, which sets the qualifications and licensure requirements for professional teachers. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal basis that guides the hiring of new teachers in public schools in the Philippines is RA 7836, also known as the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994. This act regulates the licensure of professional teachers, ensuring that candidates meet required qualifications and pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) before they can be employed in public schools.
Furthermore, RA 9155, or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, also provides the framework for the governance of education, which includes staffing concerns. However, the specific legal basis for hiring is RA 7836, as it directly relates to the qualifications and licensure of teachers.