Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is advocating for a legislative change that would automatically increase the honoraria for Electoral Board (EB) members during elections. This proposal seeks to streamline the process of compensating poll workers by tying the increase to each election cycle, eliminating the need for repeated appeals for additional pay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the necessity of this adjustment, citing the rising costs associated with conducting elections. Speaking at the Balitaan forum of the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association in Ermita, Garcia highlighted that the current system requires Comelec to repeatedly seek additional funding for honoraria increases, which is not sustainable.

In previous elections, honoraria rates were set at PHP13,000 for the chairperson, PHP12,000 for both the poll clerk and the third member, and PHP9,000 for support staff. Additionally, volunteer staff from the Department of Education received PHP12,000 for supervisors, PHP9,000 for administrative support staff, and PHP10,000 for tech support staff, reflecting a PHP3,000 increase sanctioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Garcia also mentioned that the anticipated increases would not be feasible for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for December 1, due to budget constraints. He noted the possibility of seeking additional funding from the President to address this issue, underscoring the importance of ensuring fair compensation for those involved in the electoral process.