Comelec, not DepEd, will release teachers' allowances
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday clarified that the Commission on Elections, not the DepEd, is the one responsible for the release of the allowance of public school teachers who serve as board of election inspectors and board of canvassers.
Ramon Bacani, DepEd Undersecretary for Regional Operations, said that based on the memorandum of agreement signed by the Commission on Elections and DepEd, Comelec is responsible for releasing the funds for the payment of teachers' honoraria to the City or Municipal Treasurer.
"The City or Municipal Treasurer then releases the honoraria directly to our teachers—half when they receive the election paraphernalia and the other when they submit the election returns," he said.
Bacani stressed that DepEd has no direct involvement in the release of the teachers' allowances.
Since the department's Election Task Force (ETF) Operations Center opened last Sunday, DepEd has received sporadic reports regarding the delay in the release of teachers' honoraria.
"Most of the calls we have been receiving are from our teachers seeking clarification on specific issues, including the release of their allowances," Bacani said. "I must stress, however, that these calls are very few."
The DepEd has set up the ETF Operations Center at the DepEd Central Office which is connected 24/7 with its field operations in the regional and division office level.
The task force aims to address the safety and welfare issues of teachers, as well as provide quick response to various teachers' concerns during the elections.
(PNA)