Comelec OKs poll workers’ pay hike — DepEd

Education Secretary Leonor Briones. PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the proposal to increase the honoraria of teachers who will serve as poll workers in 2022 elections, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Thursday.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones proposed the rate increase back in February in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

READ: DepEd wants higher compensation for teachers, poll workers for 2022 elections

While the two agencies agreed with the proposal, it is still up to congress if they approve it on the deliberation of the annual budget, according to DepEd.

“Given the current health situation, it is rightful for them to receive an additional allowance,” Briones said in a statement.

Both agencies agreed on the following honoraria rates: P9,000 for chairpersons, P8,000 for education board members, P7,000 for DepEd supervisor officials, and P5,000 for support staff.

The poll body also supported the provision of food and transportation allowance along with clean-up and maintenance expenses as part of its budget proposal for the 2022 elections.

Health-related expenses and health insurance coverage for those who would get infected are likewise included.

The two agencies are still looking into other benefits such as on-site swab testing, shifting, and working hours of public school teachers, and tax exemption for honoraria.

“With DepEd and the teachers’ vital participation in the 2022 National and Local Elections, we will continue our dialogue with Comelec to ensure the health and welfare of our teachers and personnel who will be sitting in the polling,” Briones said.

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JPV