DILG LAUDS PASSAGE OF ELECTION SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2016

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauds the passage of Republic Act No. 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act, which makes election duty non-compulsory for public school teachers.

RA 10756 entitled “An Act Rendering Election Service Non-Compulsory for Public School Teachers, Authorizing the Appointment of Other Qualified Citizens, Providing for Compensation and Other Benefits,” was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III on April 8, 2016.

DILG Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento released a directive to all provincial governors, city mayors, municipal mayors, DILG regional directors and other concerned regarding RA 10756.

“They are advised of the salient provisions of RA 10756. This new law is a much-welcome development in election service and government service,” said Sarmiento.

Under the said law, public school teachers who are “willing and able” to render election service shall constitute the Electoral Boards.

However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) may also tap private school teachers; national government employees, excluding uniformed personnel of the Department of National Defense; members of COMELEC-accredited citizen arms or other civil society organizations; and any registered voter of the city or municipality of known integrity and competence who is not connected with any candidate or political party, to serve as election officers.

As a last resort, in cases where the peace and order situation so requires as determined by COMELEC and where there are no qualified voters willing to serve, uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) may also be deputized by the election body to render election service.

Persons rendering election service shall be entitled to honoraria, travel allowance, and such other benefits as may be granted by the Commission.

“In January, I have also issued directives regarding the May 2016 elections such as the Support to the Project E.A.S.E. (Ensuring Accessibility of Schools on Election) for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and urged dissemination of COMELEC resolution on local absentee voting system,” said Sarmiento. #  Source – www.dilg.gov.ph