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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider TDC, LENTE reactivate election command center to support teachers in May 2025 elections

TDC, LENTE reactivate election command center to support teachers in May 2025 elections

Groups provide legal and technical support for public school teachers during national and local polls

Published May 9, 2025 08:16 pm

At A Glance

  • TDC and LENTE revive their Election Command Post to protect and support teachers' rights during the nationwide May 2025 polls
As the country prepares for the national and local polls set for next week, TDC and LENTE announced on Friday, May 9, that they have reestablished their election monitoring center to assist public school
teachers serving as poll workers across the country.
The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) have revived their joint Election Command Post to protect and support teachers’ rights during the nationwide May 2025 elections.
Operating from May 11 at 8 a.m. to May 13 at noon, the command post will handle reports of election-related concerns such as harassment, intimidation, violence, and procedural lapses involving teachers and voters.
TDC’s command center will be based at its national office in Caloocan City, while LENTE will field volunteer lawyers and law students from its Quezon City headquarters.
Teachers’ safety and support are a priority
TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas, a public school teacher, said the initiative aims to protect the rights and welfare of teachers on election duty.
“We are committed to assisting our fellow teachers and any citizen who may encounter difficulties during the election,” Basas said, noting that the services offered range from basic documentation and networking to legal assistance.
“Having personally served in both manual and automated elections, I understand the challenges teachers face—from technical issues with machines to disputes with voters, watchers, or candidates,” said Basas, a teacher at Caloocan High School.
Teachers who opted out of direct election service will staff the command post to ensure continuous operations and support.
Legal assistance and multi-platform reporting
LENTE will provide legal support through a dedicated hotline, while TDC will accept reports via mobile numbers, social media platforms, and a Google Form.
Both groups will operate independently but will refer critical cases to each other when necessary.
“We deeply appreciate the invaluable support of LENTE’s lawyers,” Basas said.
In addition to legal aid, Basas said they are also prepared to coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), law enforcement units, election
watchdogs, and media organizations to “provide timely and accurate responses to incidents on the ground.”
Nationwide teacher network activated
TDC’s grassroots network—active in all 17 regions—has been mobilized to deliver real-time updates from local precincts.
The coalition urged both teachers and the general public to report vote-buying, irregularities, and any form of electoral misconduct.
“This election is both highly contested and emotionally charged,” Basas said. “Collective vigilance is essential to ensure the integrity of the vote and safeguard our democracy.”
TDC also urged all teachers and citizens to support the effort by reporting any suspected cases of vote-buying, harassment, or other election irregularities.
Data for policy reform
Reports gathered will be submitted to relevant government agencies as evidence-based input for future election and education policy reforms, the TDC said.

Related Tags

elections 2025 Philippine elections 2025 Comelec 2025 elections Filipino teachers
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