A group of teachers on Wednesday, Oct. 9, pushed for additional benefits for poll workers as the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing for the 2025 National and Local Elections officially closed.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines called on lawmakers and relevant agencies to address the demands of poll workers, advocating for increased honoraria, allowances, benefits, and enhanced legal and security protections for teachers serving as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).
“As early as now, we want to ensure that teachers and those who will volunteer to serve in the BEI are properly compensated and protected in the upcoming elections,” ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said.
“It’s no secret that teachers, who are on the frontlines of every election, face several issues, from compensation to inhumane conditions, and even threats to their own welfare and safety,” he added.
High time
For ACT, it is “high time” to increase the compensation rates, as the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA) provides for their review and adjustment every three years.
Quetua noted that the steep inflation since 2022 and the greater risks teachers will face in the 2025 elections call for a significant increase in poll work honoraria and allowances.
ACT is advocating for a net pay of P15,000.
“Election service compensation must also be tax-exempt so that teachers can receive the full benefits of their service,” Quetua said. “Service credits for election service must also be raised from 5 to 10, and additional funds should be allocated for overtime pay in expected cases of extended service during elections,” he added.
Ensure teachers’ welfare, safety
ACT also urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prioritize the welfare and safety of teachers serving as BEIs by offering medical services, legal aid, and implementing stricter security measures.
With teachers at the forefront of an expectedly “tumultuous” election, ACT highlighted the need for added protections amidst heightened political tensions. They emphasized that addressing the concerns of teacher-poll workers is crucial for the country’s best interest.
The group also called for ensuring that these educators are fully supported and equipped to perform their vital role in the upcoming elections.
Reject ‘trapos,’ political dynasties, fake reps
Meanwhile, ACT urged Filipino voters to be vigilant in selecting candidates for the 2025 elections.
ACT highlighted that the current roster of candidates is alarmingly filled with traditional politicians (trapos), political dynasties, fake representatives of marginalized groups, and individuals of questionable character—all appearing to seek public office while advancing shallow and self-serving political agendas.
“Our political landscape remains heavily dominated by candidates from entrenched political dynasties and traditional politics, who for decades have held power while delivering little to no progress for Filipinos,” Quetua lamented.
As the country gears up for the 2025 midterm elections, ACT urged the Filipino people to take this opportunity to reject traditional politicians and elitist parties that have long sustained systems of inequality and neglect.
The group called for the election of nationalist leaders who would advocate for new politics and uphold good governance.
ACT is a progressive national democratic mass organization of teachers, academics, and other education workers in the Philippines.