Iloilo City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo City office initiated the release of honoraria to poll workers who served during the May 12 national and local elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, over half of the 2,700 recipients received their payment on the first day of the payout. This was confirmed by Comelec Iloilo City Election Officer IV, lawyer Pinky Jenivi Tentativa. The three-day payout schedule includes members of the Electoral Board (EB), Department of Education Supervising Officers (DESOs), and their technical support staff.

Under the standard rates, Electoral Board chairs are entitled to PHP12,000, while members receive PHP11,000. DESOs and their support staff are allocated PHP9,000 and PHP8,000, respectively. All payments are subject to applicable taxes. Tentativa noted, "We have to wait for the Comelec pronouncement as to the additional PHP1,000."

The disbursement process is currently taking place at Cinema 5 of Robinsons Place Iloilo. Individuals unable to collect their payment by Friday are advised to visit the Comelec Iloilo City office.

In addition, Tentativa mentioned that they are still awaiting the submission of the statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) from election candidates. The deadline for submitting the SOCE is June 11, and notices have been sent to candidates as reminders of this requirement. Failure to comply could lead to penalties or disqualification from future public office positions.

Comelec is also preparing to resume voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for December. The registration period is set from July 1-11 for those aged 15 years and above.