Comelec-Bacolod starts releasing teachers’ honoraria

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod City has started releasing payments to teachers who served as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) during the May 12 national and local elections.

Acting Bacolod Election Officer Revo Sorbito said the release of payments began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

He said the honoraria range from P8,000 to P12,000 for electoral board chairpersons, board members, and technical support staff. He added that Comelec allocated at least P22 million for Bacolod BEIs, which include at least 3,000 teachers.

Sorbito stated that the recently concluded national and local elections were generally peaceful, with zero casualties and no major incidents reported at polling centers.

“It’s the collective effort of the Comelec, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and all stakeholders that made the election successful,” Sorbito said.

Comelec also received complaints from some teachers during the canvassing at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) about long queues for the submission of election paraphernalia. However, Sorbito explained that due to a lack of personnel, they were unable to address all concerns.

“We all have our own tasks to do, and our teachers were not forced to serve in the elections. It was their voluntary decision to do so, and we are thankful for that,” he said.

He added that the lack of personnel is a recurring problem for the Comelec during every election.

Sorbito disclosed that they are unable to hire additional staff due to budget constraints, and he appealed for the teachers’ understanding. (MAP)