In a briefing on Sunday, acting Comelec spokesperon Rex Laudiangco said they have received the DepEd’s letter asking for the additional pay for its personnel
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) — The Department of Education is urging the Commission on Elections to compensate teaching and non-teaching personnel who rendered extra work on Election Day.
In an ambush interview with reporters after the briefing, Laudiangco said poll workers affected by delays could receive between ₱2,000 to ₱3,000, based on the amount given during the last elections, adding that the final amount would be the same for all.
In a statement released on Saturday, the DepEd said they have coordinated with Comelec on the matter and proposed an additional pay of ₱3,000.
“Bilang naman namin sila. Accounted sila and we know who we will give this additional honoraria to… This is not overtime pay as overtime pay is not allowed, at hindi rin ito across the board—not all electoral borads. Dun lamang sa affected ng VCM issues,” he said.
“As reports of extended hours of service were raised, mainly by reasons of vote-counting machines malfunctions and SD cards issues, it is but appropriate that our personnel be justly compensated for the extra hours they have rendered,” the DepEd said.
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[Translation: We know how many they are. They are accounted for and we know who we will give this additional honoraria to… This is not overtime pay as overtime pay is not allowed, and this is not across the board—not all electorial boards. Just those who were affected by VCM issues.]
“Yung P2,000 may basis na tayo…last elections ‘nung 2019. So it will not go below ₱2,000,” he said.
The coordination between the DepEd Election Task Force headed by Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua and Director Marcelo Bragado Jr. and the Comelec happened on May 11.
He also acknowledged the DepEd asked for ₱3,000 additional honoraria, but he said the final amount will be subject to “the availaility of funds and…in accordance with accounting and aufiting rules.”
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[Translation: We have basis for the ₱2,000…the elections in 2019. So it will not go below ₱2,000.]
The DepEd also said the honoraria and allowances for their personnel should be given on or before May 24. According to Comelec Resolution No. 10727, the honoraria and allowances shall be paid within 15 days from the date of election.
