The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a PHP2,000 across-the-board increase in compensation for teachers and other poll workers serving in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.
In a statement released Friday, the DBM announced updated honoraria rates for members of the Electoral Board. The chairperson will now receive PHP12,000, up from PHP10,000, while the poll clerk and third member will receive PHP11,000, previously PHP9,000. Support staff will get PHP8,000, up from PHP6,000.
“This is a realization of the directive of President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.], who is truly committed to ensuring we provide needed support for the welfare of our teachers,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reports around 758,549 poll workers will serve in the national and local elections. According to the Election Service Reform Act and Comelec Resolution 10194, poll workers are entitled to honoraria, travel and communication allowances, meal allowances, and service credits.
The total budget allocated under the 2025 General Appropriations Act for their compensation is PHP7.48 billion.
Pangandaman urged agencies to ensure a timely release of the poll workers’ benefits.
“I urge Comelec to ensure that our teachers and poll workers will get their compensation as quickly as possible. Dapat timely ang release ng kanilang benepisyo. They deserve nothing less,” she said.