Namfrel, PPCRV accredited watchdogs for barangay, SK polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has again accredited the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as citizen’s arms in the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

In a resolution dated April 23, the poll body approved a recommendation of Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito Guia to tap the two agencies anew for the coming elections. 

The Comelec cited the extensive experience of Namfrel and PPCRV as poll watchdogs and citizen’s arm.

It said the poll watchdogs have been contributing a lot in the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful election. 

As citizen’s arms, Namfrel and PPCRV will assist the Comelec in voter education and with helping senior citizens, people with disability, pregnant women and indigenous people on election day.

They also deploy watchers to monitor the conduct of elections. 

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said voters can call the Comelec hotlines to inquire about their polling precinct assignments ahead of election day.

“If you have questions about your precinct number assignments, you can call (02)-5267769, 5279365, 5271896, 5599725 and 5674431,” Jimenez added. 

There are 177,575 clustered precincts in 42,044 barangays nationwide.  

‘Up to BIR’

The Comelec is leaving it up to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to decide on the request of teachers not to tax their honorarium for services rendered during the barangay and SK elections.

Jimenez said the tax deduction is based on a circular issued by BIR, so it is proper that the tax agency should be the one to decide on the matter. 

He said the Comelec serves only as a “withholding agency” and the five percent tax deduction is in compliance with the BIR circular.

“The current state of pay is we give them the amount provided for in ESRA which is a total of five percent deduction,” he said, referring to the Election Service Reform Act that provides honoraria to poll workers.

The law provides that election board chairpersons should be paid P6,000 and members P5,000. 

The Department of Education supervisor officials will receive P4,000 and their support P2,000. 

On top of the amount, they are entitled to an additional P1,000 each in transportation allowance.

Earlier, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition has asked the government not to impose the five-percent tax on the honorarium and travel allowance.

Jimenez said while a majority of teachers would receive their honoraria right after completing their service, others may experience delays in the release of benefits.

He said the delay is not due to the Comelec, but to incomplete paperwork.

“As election day is nearing, some withdraw for certain reasons and we need to find their replacement. So there’s a possibility that those tapped at the last minute will see some delays,” Jimenez said.

Drug test challenge

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde yesterday dared candidates in the barangay and SK elections to take voluntary drug tests to prove they are not hiding anything.

Albayalde said by undergoing drug tests, the candidates could show their sincerity to serve the public by being part of the smallest unit of government. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano