With the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set to take place on May 14, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones called for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to increase allowances for poll workers, which are primarily comprised of school teachers.

“DepEd teachers and personnel have long been at the forefront of every electoral exercise in the country,” she explained. “Evaluation and discussion on the possible increase in honoraria and allowances are just and necessary.”

Earlier this year, Bacolod City Comelec elections officer, Atty. Mavil Majarucon-Sia, reported some teachers refused to serve during the elections, citing the potential for cases being filed against them, along with possible delays in the release of honorariums.

However, it was later resolved following a meeting between the Negros Occidental chapter of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Majarucon-Sia back in February.

Provincial ACT chair Gualberto Dajao said the local Comelec must assist any teacher involved in an electoral protest; ensure honorariums are distributed on time, which, he pointed out, half is supposed to be distributed a day before the elections and the other half after polls are closed; and to provide seven days of service credits instead of the current five.

Meanwhile, Briones also called for earning acquired by poll workers to be tax-free./WDJ