The Department of the Interior and Local Government has urged teachers and other personnel serving as electoral boards in tomorrow’s elections to avail themselves of legal assistance under Republic Act 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act for any legal woes they may face in the performance of their electoral duties.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the Commission on Elections has created a special trust fund pursuant to RA 10756 to cover the cost of legal assistance, medical assistance, and legal indemnification for persons rendering election-related service.
“In addition to honoraria, travel allowances, and service credit, all teachers and individuals serving in the electoral boards are also now entitled to medical assistance of up to P200,000 and legal protection and assistance,” Malaya said.
“We have come a long way in promoting the rights of our teachers who serve in our elections. If ever they encounter legal problems, all they need to do is to make a claim with the Comelec or with their agency, the Department of Education, and there are already systems in place to protect their rights,” he added.
Malaya, who is a member of the “Task Force Kontra Bigay,” said that members of electoral boards are entitled to legal assistance and other forms of legal protection under the law.
“They are also entitled to indemnification for legal costs and expenses reasonably incurred if they were subject of any complaint while serving as a member of the electoral board,” Malaya explained. (Chito Chavez)
