Teachers can now use poll service credits ‘at any time’

MIDTERM ELECTIONS. Voters cast their vote at Guadalupe Elementary School in Cebu City on May 12, 2025. Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler The service credits that teachers earn for their duties during elections will no longer expire MANILA, Philippines – Public school teachers who serve during elections may now use the service credits they earned “at any time” after the polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. The Comelec resolved the issue on Tuesday, August 11, removing from its guidelines the expiration of the service credits earned by government officials and employees, mainly teachers, who render election-related services. Originally, under Comelec Resolution No. 11212 promulgated in March, service credits for national and local elections (NLEs), barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKEs), and Bangsamoro parliamentary elections (BPEs) must be used within the same year they were earned. Government officials and employees were also initially given three months from the date of special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, or recall elections to use earned credits. The amendment, under Comelec Resolution No. 11212-A, now reads: “For NLEs, BSKEs, and BPEs, special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, or recall elections, the service credit may be availed of at any time after the date of election or electoral exercise.” The Comelec also said that for the 2025 elections, the earned service credit may be used at any time after the effectivity of the guidelines. The poll body made the decision after a dialogue with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also on Tuesday. “Hindi natin hahayaang buwis-buhay na ang serbisyo, bubuwisan at babaratin pa ang kompensasyon at benepisyo. Tagumpay ito ng ating sama-samang pagkilos at paninindigan para sa ating karapatan at kagalingan,” ACT national chairperson Ruby Bernardo said. (We will not allow that we risk our lives to provide service, only to be taxed and shortchanged on our compensation and benefits. This victory is a result of our collective action and conviction for our rights and welfare.) According to the Department of Education, around 600,000 public school teachers serve as electoral board members and support personnel in every election. Teachers earn five to 10 service credits, which take the form of vacation leaves, for their poll-related duties. Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the amendment, citing teachers’ lack of sleep, fatigue, and exposure to danger as they protect the votes of every Filipino. “Kaya naman nararapat lamang na hindi natin ipagkait o limitahan ng strict deadlines ang kanilang karapat-dapat na pahinga at benepisyo. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Comelec sa mabilis na pagdinig sa ating pakiusap at sa pagkilala sa sakripisyo ng ating mga guro,” he added. (It is only right that we do not deny them or restrict through strict deadlines the rest and benefits they deserve. We thank the Comelec for promptly heeding our appeal and for recognizing the sacrifices made by our teachers.) – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading