Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 28) — Senator Leila de Lima has filed a bill which seeks to exempt from income taxation the honoraria and allowance of election workers.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2456, De Lima said that such exemption would be a big help to all poll workers who are expected to face more difficulties in doing their job due to the ongoing pandemic.
“This hard-earned income, which in many cases is barely enough to cover the daily needs of these individuals, also becomes the price for their safety and lives,” said De Lima in a statement issued Saturday from Camp Crame where continues to be detained.
“The risks, both physical and moral, themselves justify a special treatment for the seasonal poll workers. Truly, the compensation that our poll workers receive is miniscule compared to their invaluable contribution to our democracy,” she added.
Under the “Election Service Reform Act,” people rendering election service are entitled to honoraria, travel allowance, and other financial benefits from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to the latest guidelines by the Comelec, the honoraria and allowances for 2022 range from ₱5,500 to ₱9,000.
The Comelec said the financial benefits shall be paid 15 days from election day on May 9, 2022. A delay in payment is considered an election offense, it added.
The House of Representatives has already approved on third and final reading a similar bill that exempts from income tax the honoraria, travel allowance and other benefits granted by the Comelec.
