Ex-VP Binay: Removing tax on election day honorarium of teachers, poll personnel ‘right thing to do’

BINAY COOLS OFF – Former Vice President and senatorial bet Jejomar Binay takes a quick break from the summer heat by trying out “scramble” in Tagaytay City. Binay dropped by Tagaytay Saturday from campaign sorties in Batangas and Cavite. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) announced on March 16 the onset of summer and advised the public to stay hydrated and keep cool.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay on Monday said removing the tax on the honorarium of teachers and other election personnel would be the right thing to do considering the difficulties they will be facing on election day.

Binay said teachers and other election workers will be working during the summer heat and in the midst of a pandemic.

“Removing the tax on their honorarium would be the right thing to do considering the difficult situation they will be be facing on election day. Aside from dealing with the summer heat, they will work longer hours, while ensuring that health protocols are observed,” he said.

Election hours are expected to be longer this year, with polling precincts accommodating voters until 7pm. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had said voting will proceed as long as there are voters outside the polling places.

Physical distancing and other pandemic-related health and safety protocols will also be implemented on election day.

Binay said removing the tax on election day honorarium would make it easier for poll workers to collect their pay.

“The tax is also a burden on them. Kung gusto nila ma-exempt sa pagbabayad ng tax, kailangan pa nilang mag-file ng deklarasyon na mababa sa P250,000 ang kanilang annual gross income,” Binay added.

Earlier, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said a 20 percent tax will be imposed on teachers’ travel allowance for the May elections. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had imposed a five percent tax on teachers’ compensation for their election duties in 2018.

Members of the electoral board for this year’s elections are set to receive from P6,000 to P7,000, while other election personnel including DepEd Supervisor Officials (DESO), medical personnel, and technical support staff, meanwhile, will receive from P3,000 to P5,000.

Electoral board members, DESOs and their support staff are also entitled to a P2,000 travel allowance, while medical personnel and other support staff will be given P1,000 for transportation.

All election personnel will also receive P500 as anti-COVID-19 allowance.

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