A group on Monday, Oct. 30, urged candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 not to blame the teachers serving as members of the Electoral Board if they lose.
In a statement, Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas said teachers have a “high level of professionalism.” Thus, they will not sacrifice their “work, license, or honor” for partisan politics.
“Lagi na po kasing may ganitong mga problema noong mga nakaraang eleksiyon, kapag natalo ang kandidato, mga guro ang sinisisi (In past elections, teachers were often blamed when candidates lost),” Basas said.
“Dapat maisip nila na kung matalo sila, baka kulang pa ang kanilang kampanya o kaya ay hindi talaga sila gusto ng kanilang mga kabarangay (They should consider that if they lose, maybe their campaign was insufficient or perhaps their fellow citizens really don't want them)," Basas added.
Basas also reiterated that teachers, as deputies of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), are neutral about the election and that the majority of them are not residents of the barangays where they serve as teachers and electoral board members.
“Yun naman pong mga guro na may kamag-anak na tumatakbo ay ipinagbabawal na umupo bilang EB, kaya po huwag silang mag-alala dahil ang mga guro po natin ay facilitators lamang ng halalang ito (Teachers who have relatives running for office are prohibited from serving as EB members, so they shouldn't worry because our teachers are facilitators in this election),” he added.
Significance of local elections
However, Basas emphasized to the voters that the barangay elections hold great importance because barangay officials will be the first to respond to natural disasters, calamities, and any other social or political events that the nation or the community might face.
He then advised them to choose candidates who are “responsible, competent, and committed” to serving the public.
Basas also urged everyone to be patient and avoid yelling at the EB members. “Huwag ding iinit ang ulo kung mahaba ang pila o magkaroon ng aberya sa presinto, huwag aawayin ang mga guro dahil hindi nila yan kasalanan (Don't lose your temper if there are long lines or if there are issues at the precinct. Don't pick fights with the teachers because it's not their fault),” he added.
Keep calm, don't engage
Meanwhile, Basas recommended that teachers remain calm and composed.
“Sa mga guro at EBs, magbaon ng tubig, pagkain, gamot at maraming pasensiya. Huwag papatol hanggat kayang magtimpi. (Teachers and EB members, bring water, food, medicine, and lots of patience. Avoid engaging as long as you can),” he said.
Moreover, Basas urged teachers serving in the polls to ask for help if needed.
The TDC, in collaboration with the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), has established a monitoring system with hotlines for teachers who may need assistance.
The groups will coordinate closely with the Comelec Command Center in Intramuros, Manila.