VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte yesterday appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to consider giving in advance the honoraria of teachers serving during electoral exercises.
In her speech during day 2 of the National Election Summit 2023 in Pasay City, Duterte said: “We hope that our teachers will be paid before the elections. Of course, they travel, eat, and have other expenses during the days they are serving the country.
“Maybe you can consider giving their compensation in advance when you plan for future elections,” she told the poll body.
Duterte said this will prevent incidents of teachers facing difficulties in getting their honoraria.
“Whenever I do school visits, the teachers serving in the elections often relay their hardships in getting their compensation,” said Duterte.
In a press conference in the sidelines of the conference, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are open to Duterte’s proposal.
“We have no problems with any proposals that can make it more convenient and beneficial to our teachers,” said Garcia.
He, however, pointed out they may encounter problems with the Commission on Audit (COA).
“Of course, there are issues regarding auditing, if such advanced payments will be allowed by COA,” said Garcia.
“It will be a problem if the teachers don’t serve on the day of elections after giving them the honoraria in advance,” he added.
Under the existing policy, the Electoral Board (EB) chairpersons are entitled to get P6,000; EB members P5,000; and support staff with P4,000.
