SENATOR Leila de Lima filed a measure that seeks to exempt the honoraria, allowance and other financial benefits of persons rendering election service from income tax.

In filing Senate Bill 2456, De Lima said she made the proposal because of the expected double difficulty the poll workers will face in the coming elections because of the Covid19 pandemic.

“In order to allow poll workers to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor and in recognition of their notable and honorable service to the Filipino people, even in hazardous environments during election seasons, this bill seeks to exempt from income tax, compensation given to persons rendering service during an election period for national or local elections,” she said.

Under the measure, De Lima noted that “honoraria, travel allowance, and other benefits may be granted by the Commission on Elections to persons rendering election service pursuant to section 4 of Republic Act No. 10756, otherwise known as the ‘Election Service Reform Act.’”

While poll workers receive compensation in the form of honoraria and allowances, these are subjected to income tax.

“This hard-earned income, which in many cases is barely enough to cover the daily needs of these individuals, also becomes the price for their safety and lives,” she said.

“The risks, both physical and moral, themselves justify a special treatment for the seasonal poll workers. Truly, the compensation that our poll workers receive is miniscule compared to their invaluable contribution to our democracy,” she added.

De Lima, a former election lawyer, stressed that poll workers play a vital role every election season because they are in the frontline and serve as members of electoral boards and assist voters on election day.

“Despite the fact that election season in the Philippines is notorious for incidences of election-related violence and deaths, poll workers bravely overcome these hurdles in order to effectively carry out their functions and ensure the safety and sanctity of the ballot,” she said.

“Sa pagsusulong ng panukalang batas na ito, maibalik man lang natin ang nararapat na serbisyo at benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan na nagsisikap at itinataya ang kanilang panahon at kaligtasan bilang mga katuwang sa maayos na halalan,” the senator added.