THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged the teachers and others individuals who will serve as electoral boards on Monday to seek legal assistance from them if they were harassed or encounter any problem while performing their duties.

DILG undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has created a Special Trust Fund pursuant to republic act 10756 to cover the cost of legal assistance, medical assistance and legal indemnification for persons rendering election-related service.

“In addition to honoraria, travel allowances, and service credit, all teachers and individuals serving in the Electoral Boards are also now entitled to Medical Assistance of up to P200,000 and legal protection and assistance,” he said.

“We have come a long way in promoting the rights of our teachers who serve in our elections. If ever they encounter legal problems, all they need to do is to make a claim with the Comelec or with their agency, the Department of Education, and there are already systems in place to protect their rights,” he added.

Malaya said claimants are entitled to a minimum amount of P50,000 as legal indemnification.

The DILG, however, tapped the Philippine National Police as well as the other law enforcement agencies to provide security to any teacher experiencing imminent threat of violence, harassment, or intimidation as a result of his or her election service. (SunStar Philippines)