Contender under scrutiny as election nears

Fresh Take:

The Department of Education-Davao City Division (DepEd-Davao City) has tapped 3,690 education heroes to serve as Electoral Board members for the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE). This robust number includes city-based teachers and those who made it through absentee voting, totaling 1,060 educators, as confirmed by DepEd-Davao City Superintendent, Reynante Solitario.

Solitario stressed that these educators would be well-prepared to serve, with their classrooms carefully selected for their poll duties. Additionally, multipurpose halls will be utilized to ensure ample space for voting.

Solitario assured that every electoral board member would receive proper training at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, particularly if Vice President Sara Duterte decides to vote there. Security and safety measures at the location are expected to be handled by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

When asked about any restrictions on the election environment, Solitario replied that the current environment will be preserved, as per President Rodrigo Duterte's previous observations.

The DepEd-Davao City division office has established a task force to address potential corruption issues among the teachers, in addition to the DepEd regional office's efforts to maintain transparency. Lawyers will also be available to provide legal assistance to the teachers if needed.

It's been reported that the number of electoral board members has surged, causing some concern, as some teachers expressed anxiety about serving, but accommodation is limited due to the Commission on Elections (Comelec)'s decisions. However, a positive note is that many teachers will likely have the opportunity to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), scheduled for December.

Solitario mentioned that teachers selected to serve as Electoral Board members for the 2025 NLE can expect higher compensation compared to previous elections, although specific figures are not yet disclosed in public records[1]. Additional details on remuneration and services can be found in Comelec Resolution No. 11076, Section 13, which outlines entitlements for Honoraria, Allowances, Service Credits, and Other Benefits, which reportedly include a boost in honorarium and daily service credit[1].

"There's a great deal of interest, but we can't accommodate everyone," Solitario mentioned in a recent press conference on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the DCPO grounds. (Rojean Grace G. Patumbon)

The Department of Education-Davao City Division (DepEd-Davao City) selected 3,690 education heroes to serve as Electoral Board members for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) in the Philippines, with many of these teachers preparing for their duties in multipurpose halls.
Solitario, DepEd-Davao City Superintendent, confirmed that the prospective board members would receive proper training at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, ensuring they are well-equipped for their roles, especially if Vice President Sara Duterte decides to vote there.
The DepEd-Davao City division office has established a task force to address potential corruption issues among the teachers, in conjunction with the DepEd regional office's efforts to maintain transparency.
Solitario mentioned that teachers selected to serve as Electoral Board members for the 2025 NLE can expect higher compensation compared to previous elections, as outlined in Comelec Resolution No. 11076, Section 13.
Despite concerns about accommodating the surge in electoral board members, many teachers will likely have the opportunity to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), scheduled for December.