THE Department of Education thanked the Commission on Elections for the timely release of the honoraria of teachers and personnel who served in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The Comelec on Tuesday said that 100 percent of the teachers who served as poll workers have received their honoraria.

The DepEd also thanked the Public Attorney’s Office, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other relevant agencies for rendering technical, legal, and security assistance to the schools and its personnel.

“DepEd is one with the nation in hoping for a stronger and resilient Philippines with the help of our newly-elected Barangay and SK officials,” it said in a statement.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition acknowledged the Comelec’s efforts to provide early payment for teachers.

“According to the Comelec report and information given to DepEd, all employees who served as members of the Electoral Board and Department of Education Supervising Officials were already paid as of Monday, November 13. This is consistent with our own monitoring that almost all payments were made within the first two weeks after the election, in accordance with Election Service Reform Act provision that the process should not take more than 15 days,” TDC chairperson Benjo Basas said.

“However, we are again requesting that the Comelec consider giving additional payment for those who worked overtime. Furthermore, we are asking Congress and Malacañang to reconsider the tax exemption for election duty honoraria,” Basas added.