Watching the polls during the election season can be dangerous and back-breaking, and our public school teachers have been doing it for years.
It’s good to know that they can finally say no.
After President Aquino signed into law Republic Act No. 10756 on Apr 8, election service is no longer compulsary for public school teachers.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may ask help from other sectors in case of lack of election officers.
Who are qualified to help? Comelec may appoint the following, in this order:
– Private school teachers
– National government employees (excluding military officers)
– Members of Comelec-accredited citizens’ arms
– Any voter with integrity and competence, and without political affiliations
– Policemen, in case there are no other qualified volunteers around
But there’s a catch.
Since we’re only a few weeks away from the elections, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista noted that the poll body could no longer implement it in May, said a report on PhilStar.
Looks like teachers who want to say no still need to do it for one last time. Then they’re no longer obliged.
