THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers asked the Commission on Elections to pay teachers who will serve in the elections in May in cash to ensure that poll workers will not be slapped charges or fees.

The group made the request as it recalled teachers were issued cash cards where their poll pay and allowances were deposited during the elections in 2019.

ACT said that there was a surcharge on withdrawals and amounts below P100 could not be withdrawn.

For this year’s elections, the group urged the Comelec to pay teachers who will render poll duty in cash or to course the payment through the teachers’ payroll to guarantee that teachers will receive the entire amount.

“We have sought clarification on the mode of payment for BEIs as early as November 2021, precisely because we don’t want a repeat of 2019. We want to make sure that our teachers will easily access their hard-earned election service pay without any further deductions, especially with the imposition of the hefty 20 percent tax,” Raymond Basilio, the group’s secretary general, said.

“We hope that Comelec shares this intent with us and meet with us for further discussions regarding the matter and several others that demand their immediate attention and action,” Basilio added.

The group earlier requested for a dialogue with Comelec officials but it has yet to receive a response.

“We only have about a month left before the May 9 polls, we need Comelec to address the issues we have been raising for almost a year now. After all, our BEIs will be at the frontlines of the upcoming crisis-ridden and precarious elections—ensuring their welfare and rights are vital in the preparations for a peaceful, safe, and proper conduct of elections,” Basilio said.

He added that members of the group will hold a picket at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila on April 6 to air their concerns.