By el Amigo
MANILA — Public school teachers will no longer have to rush to use service credits earned from election duties following the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) decision to scrap the three-month utilization deadline.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday praised the move, saying it gives teachers greater flexibility in claiming the leave benefits corresponding to their service during elections.
Comelec Resolution No. 11212-A allows teachers to avail themselves of their earned service credits without an expiration period. The new rule replaces the previous policy requiring the credits to be used within three months from the date of their election-related service.
Angara described the development as a welcome relief for teachers who often face long hours, fatigue and other challenges while helping administer elections.
“Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga guro,” Angara said, noting that teachers endure exhaustion, lack of sleep and, in some cases, risks to their safety while helping ensure that the votes of Filipinos are protected.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comelec for responding to educators’ concerns and recognizing the sacrifices made by teachers during election periods.
Roughly 600,000 public school teachers serve as members of electoral boards and support staff during elections, placing them among the key frontliners in the country’s electoral process.
The removal of the expiration period covers service rendered during national and local elections, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, Bangsamoro parliamentary elections and special elections. The policy likewise applies to teachers who assist in plebiscites, initiatives, referenda and recall elections.
The Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Comelec and other government agencies to ensure that teachers receive the benefits, allowances and protections due to them for participating in electoral activities.
elamigo/xf
