DepEd May Grant Extra Credits to Poll-Working Teachers in 2023 Elections

In a recent announcement, the Department of Education (DepEd) indicated that teachers who took on the role of poll workers in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) might be eligible for additional service credits. The statement was made on Thursday, Nov. 2.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas addressed queries regarding overtime compensation for teachers who worked extended hours, exceeding 24 hours, during the election period. He clarified, “They could be given additional service credits on top of the five (5) days service credits.”

Bringas communicated through a Viber message to the media, elucidating that these service credits are not monetary but are equivalent to leave credits that correspond to a day’s salary.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) had previously voiced the concerns of public school teachers who served in the BSKE, emphasizing the need for additional compensation. In a letter to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), TDC highlighted that some teachers were required to work continuously for up to 30 hours due to delays in certain tasks, leading to instances where they went without sleep.

This potential provision of extra service credits comes as a response to the concerns raised, acknowledging the significant efforts and contributions of teachers in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.