MANILA, Philippines — Government officials and employees who serve during elections may now use their service (leave) credit at any time after the polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Through Resolution No. 11212-A released on Tuesday, the poll body amended its previous rule that a service credit must be claimed within three months from the date of the election.
Under the new resolution, a service credit earned during national and local elections, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections, special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda or recall elections may now be claimed at any time after the date of the polls or electoral exercise.
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The revision was meant to “provide a practicable period for the availment of service credit” and “afford government officials and employees who render election-related service a meaningful opportunity to avail of the benefits granted by law,” the Comelec said.
Concerns addressed
It added that in making the amendment, it took into consideration the concerns raised by teachers, including members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
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ACT welcomed the Comelec decision, saying it was “another victory” that resulted from the collective action and continuing struggle of teachers to protect and improve the compensation and benefits they receive for taking on additional tasks during elections.
But at the same time, the group renewed its call for a higher, tax-exempt poll service honorarium worth at least P15,000.
It also asked for overtime pay in cases of extended poll work hours, expanded logistical and welfare support and stronger mechanisms to protect teachers from harassment, intimidation, violence and other risks encountered when rendering election-related services.
“We will not accept a situation where we provide service at the risk of our lives and our compensation and benefits would still be taxed and reduced,” said ACT chair Ruby Bernardo.
DepEd also welcomed the amendment, noting that around 600,000 public school teachers serve as electoral board members and support personnel during polls.
“This is a huge comfort for our teachers. It is not a joke to serve during the elections—they experience lack of sleep, exhaustion and sometimes even danger, just to protect the votes of every Filipino,” said Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
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