ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro on Saturday lambasted President Marcos Jr.’s decision to veto the proposed measure granting tax exemption on the honoraria, allowances and other financial benefits given to teachers and other election workers.

“The veto of this measure is a slap in the face of every teacher across the country who served the past elections tirelessly despite long hours and higher risks of getting COVID-19,” Castro said.

Castro stressed that removing the 20 percent tax on the honoraria and allowances of teachers who had to endure additional risks and longer hours of poll services is only fair.

“Imposing taxes on the honoraria and allowances of election service volunteers destroys the spirit and intent of the Election Service Reform Act or Republic Act 10756 to compensate the hardships of persons rendering election service. They must therefore, enjoy the compensation in full and not bear additional burdens,” Castro added.

She also noted no tax was ever imposed on the honoraria and other election service benefits until 2018, since there is no law providing for such imposition.

“We will continue to fight for just compensation for our election service workers. We are studying all options to counter this highly unjust move of the President. We urge all teachers and election service volunteers to reach out to their district representatives and senators so that both Houses of Congress can override this unfair veto,” Castro stressed.