Comelec opens ‘Twitter helpdesk’ for teacher honoraria complaints

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has established an online reporting mechanism for public school teachers who are experiencing problems in getting their honoraria for rendering election service last week.

The poll body said teachers who served as board of election inspectors (BEIs) and have yet to receive their honoraria can send their names to the Comelec by using the dedicated hashtag #BEI2016.

“Not all teachers are complaining about honoraria. #BEI2016 is for finding out who is… to help facilitate follow-ups,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a tweet.

He also urged those who have Twitter accounts to help teachers who do not have social media accounts, saying he will assign one of his staff to document the tweets so that they can bring it up to the finance department.

Several teachers have complained to Jimenez over Twitter in connection with the late release of their honoraria.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) said they will also assist those who may have problems in getting their honoraria.

The agency said they have yet to receive any official report, but that those having problems may call either their respective regional offices or the central office so they can coordinate with Comelec.

The poll body is handling the releases of honoraria for teachers.

Earlier, DepEd said the honoraria for public schools teachers who rendered service on May 9 will be released three days after the submission of necessary documents.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro assured the teachers that the release of honoraria for those who served in election precincts this year will be faster than in previous years as funds have already been downloaded to the local level.

“Those who served shall be paid by Comelec through its election officer after three days through ATM, cash card (pre-loaded) or cash advance,” he said.

Public school teachers who served as BEIs will receive P4,500 and five-day leave credits. The allowance is divided as follows: P3,000 as honorarium, P500 for verification and sealing of the books of voters, P500 for final testing and P500 transportation allowance.

Those who served as supervisors will receive P3,000 and five-day leave credits, while the support staff shall receive P1,500 and five-day leave credits.