Members of the Electoral Boards (EBs) who served during the May 12 midterm elections will receive an additional P1,000 in honorarium, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he formally requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to grant the tax-free compensation as a token of appreciation for the poll workers’ dedication.
“We are appealing for an increase in the honoraria of our Election Day workers—a modest PHP1,000 additional compensation, tax-free—for each of the 758,549 individuals who selflessly serve our nation during every electoral exercise,” Garcia wrote in a letter to the DBM.
He emphasized that while the amount may seem small, it represents meaningful recognition. “A thousand pesos may not seem much, but for them, it is a tangible recognition of their unmatched dedication. It is a gesture of a grateful nation,” he added.
The DBM endorsed the release of P758.459 million to cover the additional payments, which was swiftly approved by the Office of the President.
Garcia expressed gratitude to both the DBM and the Office of the President for their prompt action on Comelec’s request.
Even before the election, honoraria for EB members had already been increased. The compensation for the EB chairperson rose from P10,000 to P12,000, while poll clerks and third members saw their pay go up from P9,000 to P11,000.