DBM Sec. Pangandaman: Marcos OKs P2,000 hike in poll workers’ allowance

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary
Amenah Pangandaman. — PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MANILA, Philippines – Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman reiterated that as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a P2,000 across the board increase on the compensation of teachers and other poll workers serving in the upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

“As directed by our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, finally, our teachers and poll workers will receive a Php2,000 across the board increase on their compensation for the 2025 midterm elections,” Pangandaman said.

“Alam po natin na sa pagbantay ng ating mga boto, haharap sa pagod, puyat at sakripisyo ang ating mga guro at poll workers. Kaya noon pong inutusan tayo ng Pangulo na itaas ang kanilang benepisyo, hindi po tayo nagdalawang-isip,” Pangandaman added.

”This is a realization of the directive of President BBM, who is truly committed to ensuring we provide needed support for the welfare of our teachers,” she continued.

With this, the new honoraria rates for those in the Electoral Board are:

-Php12,000 from the previous Php10,000 for the chairperson;

-Php11,000 from the previous Php9,000 for the poll clerk;

-Php11,000 from the previous Php9,000 for the 3rd member; and,

-Php8,000 from the previous Php6,000 for the support staff.

The Budget secretary likewise appealed to concerned agencies to ensure the timely release of higher compensation for teachers and poll workers this coming NLE.

“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,” Pangandaman stated.

The budgetary requirement for the poll workers’ compensation and as authorized under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act is P7.480 billion. The Comelec has estimated the total number of poll workers for the national and local elections at 758,549.

Based on the Election Service Reform Act and Comelec Resolution No. 10194, persons rendering election service shall be entitled to honoraria, travel allowance, communication allowance, meal allowance, and service credit.