Public school teachers are expected to serve in the coming 2022 elections, as they remain trusted by the electorate, according to Department of Education Sec. Leonor Briones.
Briones, during a recent online DepEd regional press conference, said teachers have long been regarded as the trustworthy authorities in assisting the public during local and national elections.
She said the Commission on Elections has no objections in tapping the services of teachers for the May 2022 presidential election.
“The Comelec is negotiating with the Department of Budget and Management to increase the allowance of teachers who will be serve in the upcoming elections,” Briones said.
DepEd is likewise negotiating for the concerned agencies to let those who will serve in the election will be covered by health insurance and other incentives.
Last June, the Comelec agreed with the proposal of DepEd for the higher honoraria rates based on the consumer price index and inflation rate as of January 2021.
The proposed rates are P9,000 for chairpersons; P8,000 for electoral board members; P7,000 for DepEd supervisor officials; and P5,000 for support staff members.
The Comelec will include the provision of transportation, food and water allowance, and clean-up and repair/maintenance expenses in its budget proposal for the 2022 elections.
With the current risk of Covid-19, the DepEd’s request for health insurance coverage for those who will be infected with the virus was also included in the proposed budget.
Meanwhile, Briones said they have been giving instructions to teachers to remain apolitical.
“We have circulars and announcements regarding maintaining political neutrality of teachers and there are instances where some are penalized,” she said. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
