Owing to budget constraints, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has cut the honoraria it earlier approved for teaching and non-teaching personnel who will serve as poll workers in the 2022 elections.
Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10727 promulgated November 10, persons rendering election-related service are entitled to the following honoraria: Chairperson of Electoral Board (EB) – P7,000; EB Members – P6,000; DepEd Supervisor Official (DESO) – P5,000; Support Staff – P3,000; and Medical Personnel – P3,000.
These rates, however, are lower compared to the remuneration the poll body approved in June, in response to the Department of Education’s (DepED) request for increase in poll workers’ honoraria.
The pay rates approved by the Comelec in June were Chairperson of the EB – P9,000; Members of EB – P8,000; DESO – P7,000; and Support Staff – P5,000.
Comelec’s proposed P41.992 billion budget for 2022 was trimmed down to P26.497 billion.
“The DBM’s deep cut into the Comelec’s proposed budget will significantly impact how the Comelec will conduct the 2022 National and Local Elections,” poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press statement last August.
But the Comelec, in its latest resolution, included provisions for travel allowance amounting to P2,000 for the chairperson and members of the EB.
Medical personnel as well as Emergency Accessible Polling Place (EAPP) and Isolation Polling Place (IPP) support staff likewise are entitled to P1,000 travel allowance only for Election Day.
A communication allowance of P1,500 for DESO and DESO Technical Support Staff will also be provided.
An anti-COVID-19 allowance amounting to P500 will also be given to members of the EB, DESO and their respective support staff, medical personnel, and EAPP support staff.
According to the Comelec, a minimum of five days service credit shall accrue to all government officials and employees serving as EB, DESO, medical personnel and support staff.
The poll body is also giving preference to individuals who are fully vaccinated, without comorbidities, and below 60 years old in selecting members of the EB.