THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, April 16, 2021, said it does not oppose the proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd) to increase the honorarium given to teachers when they serve during elections.

“Comelec is willing to work with the DepEd in order to find ways to either accommodate their requests or, in the appropriate instances, to help them achieve the results they seek," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

He said they were aware of the risks and sacrifices that teachers take when they serve as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in voting precincts.

"The Comelec recognizes the invaluable role played by teachers in ensuring the success of elections," Jimenez said.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said Thursday, April 15, that they have sought additional pay of P3,000 for teachers who will serve in the May 2022 elections.

Under the Election Service Reform Act of 2016, persons rendering election service shall be entitled to honoraria, with the BEI chairmen getting P6,000 and BEI members receiving P5,000. Each will also get P1,000 as travel allowance.

The law provides that the may be reviewed by the Comelec, in consultation with the DepEd, every three years. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)