Teachers in the Philippines are often called “heroes.” They work hard inside and outside the classroom. But when it comes to election duties, many teachers feel disappointed. They are asking for a tax free honorarium. I believe they are right. Taking away tax from their honorarium is unfair.

Many teachers posted on social media saying “tax free honorarium is enough.” They shared their frustrations online. One teacher wrote, “Why announce an increase if taxes will just take it away?” Others echoed the same message: “Just make it tax free.”

In this article, I will explain why a tax free honorarium is a fair reward for teachers. I will also discuss what teachers experience during elections and how tax deductions hurt them.

Teachers as Election Workers

Every election, thousands of teachers serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs). Their job is difficult. They arrive at polling places early in the morning. They stay late at night to count votes. Some work for more than 24 hours.

Their duties include:

• Managing voting materials
• Guiding voters
• Counting ballots
• Submitting results to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)

This work is risky. Teachers face tiredness, hunger, and sometimes danger. In some areas, election violence happens. Still, teachers fulfill their duty with patience.

For this hard work, they receive an honorarium. But sadly, their teacher honorarium tax takes away a big part of their pay.

The Problem with Teacher Honorarium Tax

Let’s take an example. A chairperson receives ₱12,000 for election duty. But after tax, they only get ₱10,200. That’s a ₱1,800 deduction! For a poll clerk earning ₱11,000, the tax deduction is around ₱1,650.

Many teachers ask: “Why tax the honorarium?” For them, this is not regular income. It’s extra pay for extra work. They believe it should be free from tax.

Some teachers shared online:

• “Tax free honorarium is enough ❤️❤️❤️”
• “Di po increase ang hanap, Tax Free po sana”
• “Tanggalin ang tax kahit walang dagdag”

Their message is clear: they are not asking for more money. They just want the full amount promised to them.

How Taxes Affect Teachers

Teachers don’t earn high salaries. Many use their honorarium to pay debts, school supplies, or family needs. When taxes take away part of their honorarium, it feels unfair.

One teacher posted:

“Kahit walang dagdag… tax free nalang enough na.”

Another said:

“Mapupunta din sa TAX. 😢”

These words show frustration. The honorarium was meant to reward teachers’ sacrifices. But taxes reduce its value.

Why Tax Free Honorarium is Fair

Here’s why I believe a tax free honorarium is fair:

✅ Teachers do public service during elections. They deserve a full reward without deductions.

✅ The honorarium is not regular income. It’s a one-time payment for extra work.

✅ Taxes discourage teachers from serving. Some teachers avoid election duties because of low net pay.

✅ Other countries give tax-free allowances. In some places, election workers receive full pay without tax.

Making the honorarium tax free would show respect for teachers. It would encourage more teachers to serve without feeling cheated.

Calls for Change

Teachers have been asking lawmakers and COMELEC to remove taxes from honorarium. They hope their voices will be heard before the next election.

One teacher said:

“Make it tax free naman po kahit papano.”

Another added:

“Tax free honoraria nlng sana.”

Many teachers posted prayers, emojis, and pleading words online. Their wish is simple: tax free honorarium.

A Personal Story

I remember my aunt, a teacher, coming home tired after election duty. She left at 3 a.m. and returned at 2 a.m. the next day. Her feet were swollen. She hadn’t eaten properly.

When she got her honorarium, she sighed. “May bawas pala,” she said. She had planned to use the money to fix her leaking roof. But after tax, it wasn’t enough.

That day, I saw how painful it was for her. She did her duty with love for the country. Yet, she felt unappreciated because of the tax deduction.

What Can Be Done?

Lawmakers can pass a law making election honorarium tax free. COMELEC can support this by recommending tax exemption. The Department of Finance can also review the tax policy for election workers.

Removing taxes from honorarium will not harm the government’s budget much. But it will mean a lot to teachers.

As one teacher wrote:

“Tax free is enough.”

Final Thoughts

Teachers are pillars of our society. During elections, they step up again as frontliners. Giving them a tax free honorarium is not just about money. It’s about fairness, respect, and gratitude.

Let’s listen to their voices. Let’s give them the full honorarium they worked hard for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)