The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines is pushing for a P15,000 net pay for election workers and has called for a P15.18 billion budget allocation to cover honoraria, allowances, and overtime pay for the 2025 midterm elections.
In a press conference, ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua stressed the need for substantial budget allocations to ensure better compensation and benefits for the approximately 600,000 election workers, who are predominantly public school teachers.
“We urge legislators to prioritize a substantial budget for the upcoming elections to meet our demands for poll workers and ensure the proper conduct of elections,” Quetua said.
ACT also called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to prioritize legislation that would exempt election service pay from taxes. The bill, which was approved by both chambers of Congress in 2022, was vetoed by the president but remains a key priority for ACT.
“We urge the president to certify this bill as urgent,” Quetua said. “Teachers and poll workers must receive their full compensation for their vital roles during elections.”
Former ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio added that authorities must adopt stronger measures to protect poll workers.
“With the increasingly volatile political climate, our poll workers deserve not only fair compensation but also the maximum protection as they carry out their critical election duties,” Tinio stated.
ACT has also reactivated its election hotline to address issues and concerns related to poll worker conditions. The hotline will monitor the on-the-ground situation during the elections and work alongside the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter Care Hotlines.
“Election workers can report concerns about compensation, violations of the Election Service Reform Act, and safety issues,” Quetua said.
The 2025 midterm elections are scheduled May 12.
