Teachers' Poll Service Credits Expiration Sparks Concern, Call for Resolution

MANILA, Philippines — The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to scrap a resolution that mandates the expiration of election service credits for teachers. According to the TDC, Comelec Resolution 11212 fixes the service credit for teachers and other government personnel serving in national and local elections at 10 days, a change from the previous minimum of five days. However, these credits are subject to expiration. "Credits earned through election service should remain available until lawfully exhausted under reasonable implementing rules, and not be extinguished by arbitrary deadlines that penalize teachers for faithfully performing their regular duties," the TDC stated. The group has called on Comelec to engage in discussions with teachers' organizations, the Department of Education, and the Civil Service Commission to develop guidelines that uphold the intent of the Election Service Reform Act. Under the current rules, service credits earned during elections must be used within the same calendar year. The TDC has strongly criticized the expiration provision, labeling it as impractical, unreasonable, and ultimately confiscatory. Source: Philstar Nation