The Department of Education’s (DepEd) request for increased stipend of teachers with poll duties in the upcoming national election will be included in the 2022 budget of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Secretary Leonor Briones said Tuesday.

Apart from PHP500 Covid-19 hazard pay per day, DepEd requested for PHP1,000 food and PHP2,000 transportation allowance.

A PHP3,000 additional pay for teachers who will serve as poll watchers was also proposed.

“We asked [the Comelec] if there could be provision for overtime [pay], [budget for] transport, food and of course, security and protection which are also risks teachers are exposed to in certain areas,” Briones said during a televised public briefing.

She noted the Comelec provided a “positive response”, giving assurance that all of DepEd’s requests will be proposed in its 2022 budget.

If the increase is granted, electoral board chairpersons will receive PHP9,000, electoral board members PHP8,000, supervisor officials PHP7,000, and support staff PHP5,000. (PNA)