PBBM ORDERS P2,000 HIKE IN TEACHERS,’ POLL WORKERS’ HONORARIA  — DBM

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved a P2,000 across-the-board increase in the compensation of teachers and other poll workers serving in the May 12, 2025, national and local elections.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman said the President issued the directive as he recognized poll workers’ vital role in ensuring clean, orderly, and credible elections.

The DBM has since finalized the necessary funding adjustments to implement the increase.

Pangandaman added: “As directed by our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, our teachers and poll workers will finally receive a P2,000 across-the-board increase in their compensation for the 2025 midterm elections.”

“Alam po natin na sa pagbantay ng ating mga boto, haharap sa pagod, puyat at sakripisyo ang ating mga guro at poll workers. Kaya noon pong inutusan tayo ng Pangulo na itaas ang kanilang benepisyo, hindi po tayo nagdalawang-isip,”Pangandaman said.

She noted the increase “is a realization of the directive of President BBM, who is truly committed to ensuring we provide needed support for the welfare of our teachers.”

With the President’s directive, Pangandaman said the new honoraria rates are now set at P12,000 for the chairperson (from P10,000), P11,000 for the poll clerk and third member (from P9,000), and P8,000 for support staff (from P6,000).

The 2025 national budget allocates P7.480 billion for the compensation of 758,549 poll workers, as estimated by the COMELEC.

Under the Election Service Reform Act and COMELEC Resolution 10194, poll workers are entitled to honoraria, travel and communication allowances, meal allowance, and service credits.

The Budget Secretary likewise appealed to concerned agencies to ensure the timely release of higher compensation for teachers and poll workers this coming national and local elections.

“I urge Comelec to ensure that our teachers and poll workers get compensation as quickly as possible. Dapat timely ang release ng kanilang benepisyo. They deserve nothing less,” the DBM chief added.