Hazard pay for teachers assigned in poll hotspots urged

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to provide hazard pay to teachers who would be assigned in poll “hotspots” in the May elections.

Marcos aired this suggestion as he also expressed concern over the safety of teachers who would be posted in over 800 poll hotspot areas, or election watch list areas (EWAs).

“In hotspot areas where the threat of violence is alarmingly high and poses danger to the teachers, hazard pay must be given to them,” Marcos said.

Marcos’ proposed hazard pay for teachers to be assigned in EWAs is on top of the regular poll duty pay that all teachers who will render service in the elections are entitled to.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police identified 889 EWAs on the basis of strong indications that violence may erupt in these areas in connection with the midterm elections.

The senator said this is the least the Comelec can do to compensate the extraordinary bravery and dedication of teachers who would not shirk their duty when called to perform a task for national interest even in the face of danger.

Marcos noted how teachers- acting as poll watchers- exemplified unselfish acts of heroism in the past elections. Some were killed or injured while protecting the sanctity of the ballots.

Earlier, Marcos called on the Comelec to give in advance the full election duty pay of teachers who had asked for an increase of honorarium from P4,000 to P6,000.