Teachers hit delay in release of honoraria

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Public school teachers in Maguindanao are complaining about the failure of the Comission on Elections (Comelec) to release their honoraria for rendering poll duties last May 13.

Lawyer Nasib Yasin, the election supervisor of Maguindanao, could not explain the delay in the release of the teachers’ benefits.

Bai Merriam Kawit, schools division superintendent for Maguindanao, reportedly told journalists that none of her subordinates received any amount from the Comelec.

“The P4,000 promised to us is not even enough to compensate for the risks we underwent while serving during the elections,” said a 36-year-old teacher in Datu Piang town who asked not to be identified.

A head teacher of the Tuka Elementary School in Sultan Mastura town was shot dead a week before the elections, while a school district supervisor was also killed on the eve of the May 13 polls in Sultan Kudarat town.

A teacher in Rajah Buayan said has been spending personal money for injuries sustained in an attack inside a polling precinct.

“Teachers are waiting, waiting and hoping they can get what is due them,” Kawit said.