In a statement from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, it was confirmed that there is no allocated budget for the overtime pay of teachers who served in the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, while he wants teachers to receive overtime pay, his hands are tied due to a joint circular from the Commission on Audit and the Department of Budget and Management. In his statement, he said, “At dahil nga yung mga DepEd personnel kagaya ng mga guro ay hindi kasi empleyado ng Commission on Elections, hindi po namin sila pupuwedeng bigyan ng overtime pay,”
However, he assured that the honoraria has increased compared to the 2018 elections. Under the new guidelines, an electoral board chair will receive P10,000, while members will receive P9,000. An additional P2,000 will be given to those who served in sites where there was early voting.
Garcia expressed his desire to distribute the honoraria by Friday, but he admitted that this might be difficult to accomplish. According to regulations, Comelec has 15 days after the elections to complete the payment for teachers.
This highlights a deep issue in our country’s education system. Teachers, as educators, play a vital role in disseminating knowledge and ensuring fair elections. Despite their significant contribution, they are forced to work without additional overtime compensation.
Our government must recognize the value of teachers’ work and allocate sufficient funds for their overtime pay. This is not only a step to appreciate their sacrifices but also to provide incentives for them to continue serving during elections.
In conclusion, this issue should be an opportunity for our government to emphasize the importance of education and teachers in our society. Let us not forget that they are the beacons of knowledge for our youth, and it is only fair that they are our partners in promoting fair elections.