MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP758.459 million to cover the additional PHP1,000 honorarium for each poll worker, including teachers, who served during the May 12 midterm elections.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman made the announcement Monday, saying that the additional PHP1,000 is on top of the previously approved PHP2,000 increase as part of the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
The increase in compensation follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to recognize the essential role of poll workers and teachers in ensuring the integrity of the election process.
"Muli po natin nakita ang dedikasyon ng ating mga guro at poll workers sa pagbabantay ng ating mga boto ngayong eleksyon. Kaya naman, sa utos po ng ating mahal na Pangulo, inaprubahan po natin ang additional na pondo para mabigyan sila ng karagdagang honoraria (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.
“That's the least we can do to honor their invaluable service. 'Yan po ay isang paraan ng ating pasasalamat sa kanila (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. Their allowances, including the additional increases, must be released within 10 days after the elections. (PNA)