The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has doubled service credits to poll workers in the May national-local elections and teachers are pleased.
The Commission En Banc in Minute Resolution No. 24-1032 said service credits will be increased from five to 10 for government officials and employees who will serve in various capacities during the elections.
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro welcomed the decision, calling it a significant victory for teachers who have long advocated for better compensation and recognition of their essential role in Philippine elections.
“This is a welcome development that recognizes the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of our teachers and other government employees who ensure the smooth conduct of our elections,” Rep. Castro said.
“The increase in service credits from five to ten is a concrete manifestation that the COMELEC has listened to our long-standing demand for better compensation and benefits for election service workers,” she added.
ACT Teachers party-list nominee and former Representative Antonio Tinio emphasized that the increased service credits will provide tangible benefits to teachers who bear the brunt of election duties.
This victory is the result of the continued struggle of teachers and government employees who serve during elections. Their work is no joke—from preparing precincts, safeguarding ballots, to counting and transmitting votes,” Tinio said.
“The doubling of service credits means teachers can convert these to vacation leave credits or use them for much-needed rest after the physically and mentally exhausting election duty. This is a concrete gain that directly benefits thousands of election workers,” the former lawmaker added.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines Chairman Vladimer Quetua also expressed satisfaction with Comelec’s decision, noting that it came after a series of dialogues between the teachers’ group and the election body.
“We have long been advocating for additional benefits for teachers and government employees who render election service. We are pleased that COMELEC listened to our request,” Quetua said.
“This is what we discussed during our dialogue with COMELEC, and we are glad that they listened to the demand of teachers. However, this is just one step forward. We will continue to push for comprehensive reforms in election service, including higher honoraria, better insurance coverage, and improved working conditions in polling precincts,” Quetua added.
Rep. Castro emphasized that while the increased service credits represent progress, more reforms are needed to fully recognize and compensate the crucial role of teachers in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
“In the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, we will continue to safeguard the rights and welfare of teachers and other election workers. This victory shows that when we unite and work together, we can achieve concrete changes,” Castro said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
