House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro today welcomed the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision to increase service credits for government employees rendering election service from five to ten service credits, calling it a significant victory for teachers who have long advocated for better compensation and recognition of their essential role in Philippine elections.
The COMELEC En Banc, through Minute Resolution No. 24-1032 published on December 16, 2024, approved the amendment of Section 16 of COMELEC Resolution No. 10194, effectively doubling the service credits granted to government officials and employees who render election service under Republic Act No. 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA).
“This is a welcome development that recognizes the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of our teachers and other government employees who ensure the smooth conduct of our elections,” Rep. Castro said. “The increase in service credits from five to ten is a concrete manifestation that the COMELEC has listened to our long-standing demand for better compensation and benefits for election service workers.”
ACT Teachers party-list nominee and former Representative Antonio Tinio emphasized that the increased service credits will provide tangible benefits to teachers who bear the brunt of election duties.
“Ang tagumpay na ito ay bunga ng patuloy na pakikibaka ng mga guro at kawani ng gobyerno na nagsisilbi tuwing eleksyon. Hindi biro ang kanilang trabaho—mula sa paghahanda ng mga presinto, pagbabantay ng mga balota, hanggang sa pagbilang at transmisyon ng mga boto,” Tinio stated.
[This victory is the result of the continued struggle of teachers and government employees who serve during elections. Their work is no joke—from preparing precincts, safeguarding ballots, to counting and transmitting votes.]
“The doubling of service credits means teachers can convert these to vacation leave credits or use them for much-needed rest after the physically and mentally exhausting election duty. This is a concrete gain that directly benefits thousands of election workers,” Tinio added.
Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines Chairman Vladimer Quetua also expressed satisfaction with the COMELEC’s decision, noting that it came after a series of dialogues between the teachers’ group and the election body.
“Matagal na naming isinusulong ang dagdag na benepisyo para sa mga guro at kawani ng gobyerno na nagre-render ng election service. Natutuwa kami na nakinig ang COMELEC sa aming kahilingan,” Quetua said.
[We have long been advocating for additional benefits for teachers and government employees who render election service. We are pleased that COMELEC listened to our request.]
“This is what we discussed during our dialogue with COMELEC, and we are glad that they listened to the demand of teachers. However, this is just one step forward. We will continue to push for comprehensive reforms in election service, including higher honoraria, better insurance coverage, and improved working conditions in polling precincts,” Quetua added.
Rep. Castro emphasized that while the increased service credits represent progress, more reforms are needed to fully recognize and compensate the crucial role of teachers in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
“Sa darating na 2025 midterm elections, patuloy naming babantayan ang karapatan at kapakanan ng mga guro at iba pang election workers. Ang tagumpay na ito ay nagpapakita na kapag nagkaisa at nagtulungan, may maaabot tayong konkretong pagbabago,” Castro concluded.
[In the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, we will continue to safeguard the rights and welfare of teachers and other election workers. This victory shows that when we unite and work together, we can achieve concrete changes. #
