Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed strong support for increasing compensation for teachers and poll workers, also emphasizing that these benefits should be tax-exempt.
In a statement, Pimentel highlighted the vital role teachers play in ensuring fair and peaceful elections, especially in high-risk reas where their safety is at risk.
“Napakahalaga ng gampanin ng mga guro sa pagseseguro ng malinis maayos at matiwasay na halalan sa 2025. Sa mga ‘hot spots’ na lugar sa bansa, hindi maiwasang malagay sa panganib ang kaligtasan at buhay ng mga guro at poll workers,” he said over the weekend.
“Kaya huwag na nating ipagkait pa ang kakarampot na benepisyong ito. Itodo na natin ang honoraria na karapat-dapat sa mga guro at iba pang poll workers. Their election-related benefits should be tax-exempt.”
Pimentel backed the Alliance of Concerned Teachers’ (ACT) call for higher honoraria, allowances, and legal protections for teachers serving as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).
“We need to honor the sacrifices of our teachers and other poll workers. Their work during election periods is both difficult and dangerous. It is only right that we provide them with higher and tax-exempt compensation,” the senator said.
He added that Congress should revisit the proposed budget for the honoraria of teachers and poll workers in the 2025 national budget.
During the 2022 elections, teachers received varying amounts, with chairpersons earing P7,000 and support staff receiving P3,000, which Pimentel believes is insufficient for their services and sacrifices.
The former senate president also called on the Commission on Elections to improve the working conditions and safety of election inspectors.IMT
