Public school teachers and poll workers will receive an additional P1,000 election honoraria, on top of the previously approved P2,000 across-the-board increase for their service in the May 2025 national and local elections.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the added compensation follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure fair pay for election frontliners.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the move, calling it a meaningful recognition of the dedication of thousands of teachers who serve as election workers, many working late into the night to ensure orderly polls.
“This honorarium reflects the nation’s respect for our teachers as guardians of democracy,” Angara said in Filipino.
The DBM has approved the release of P758.459 million for the additional P1,000 honoraria, separate from the increase included in the 2025 national budget.
According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), about 758,549 poll workers — mostly public school teachers — will receive full compensation, including the additional amounts, within 10 days after the elections.
Angara also highlighted their key role in the record-high 81.65% voter turnout, saying it demonstrated the vital contribution of teachers to a peaceful and credible election.
It may be recalled that teachers called for tax-free compensation, following the approval of the P2,000 additional honoraria. Teachers argued that without tax exemption, the increase will have little real impact.
The compensation is part of the benefit given to teaching and non-teaching personnel who serve during elections, a duty that starts well before election day and extends long after.
