THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P758.459 million to pay for the additional P1,000 honorarium for each poll worker who served during the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced on Monday, May 19, that the additional P1,000 will be given on top of the previously approved P2,000 honorarium that formed part of the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
The increase in compensation follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recognize the essential role of poll workers and teachers in ensuring the integrity of the election process.
“Once again, we have witnessed the dedication of our teachers and poll workers in safeguarding our votes during this election. Therefore, by the order of our beloved President, we approved additional funds to provide them with additional honoraria,” Pangandaman said in Tagalog.
“That’s the least we can do to honor their invaluable service. This is one way we can express our gratitude to them,” she added.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said 758,549 poll workers were involved in the National and Local Elections (NLE). Their allowances, including the additional increases, must be released within 10 days after the elections.
Meanwhile, Comelec Central Visayas Director Francisco Pobe, in a phone interview, said they are still waiting for the release of funds, as the allocation is part of a nationwide budget.
While the funds have yet to be released, Pobe said Comelec Central Visayas is currently disbursing payments based on the original budget allocation for poll workers who served in the NLE.
The distribution of payments began last Tuesday, May 13, and is expected to be completed within 15 days from the start of the disbursement. / PNA, DPC