President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved a Php2,000 across-the-board increase in the honoraria for teachers and poll workers who will serve in the upcoming May 12, 2025, national and local elections. The increase underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable role of these individuals in ensuring a fair, clean, and credible electoral process.
The directive, issued by the President, was welcomed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), led by Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman. She confirmed that the necessary funding adjustments have already been made to accommodate the salary increase, which aims to provide better compensation for those working at the grassroots level during the elections.
“As directed by our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, our teachers and poll workers will finally receive a Php2,000 across-the-board increase in their compensation for the 2025 midterm elections,” Secretary Pangandaman said. “We fully understand that overseeing the electoral process requires long hours, sacrifices, and dedication. This increase is our way of recognizing their hard work.”
Pangandaman added that the President’s directive reflects his unwavering support for the welfare of teachers and poll workers, who often endure long hours, fatigue, and difficult working conditions during elections.
The newly adjusted honoraria are as follows:
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Chairperson: Php12,000 (up from Php10,000)
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Poll Clerk and Third Member: Php11,000 (up from Php9,000)
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Support Staff: Php8,000 (up from Php6,000)
In total, the 2025 national budget has allocated Php7.480 billion for the compensation of an estimated 758,549 poll workers, as projected by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). These workers are entitled to honoraria, as well as travel, communication allowances, meal allowances, and service credits under the Election Service Reform Act and COMELEC Resolution No. 10194.
Secretary Pangandaman also emphasized the importance of ensuring that poll workers and teachers receive their compensation promptly. “I urge the COMELEC to ensure that our teachers and poll workers receive their compensation as quickly as possible. Their work is crucial, and they deserve nothing less than timely and efficient service,” she stated.
The President’s approval of this increase is a recognition of the crucial role that teachers and poll workers play in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, and demonstrates the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions of those serving on the front lines of democracy.
