MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Monday called on Congress to amend the landmark Election Service Reform Act (Esra) to resolve issues that hounded teachers during last week’s polls, which the group said was the worst since automated elections began in 2010. ACT secretary general Raymond Basilio said provisions that would scrap the tax on their honorariums, extend service credits, and ensure medical funds were accessible on Election Day should be enshrined in the law, which governs the service of teachers on electoral boards. ADVERTISEMENTPassed in 2016, the Esra made poll service voluntary and increased the compensation teachers receive for election duty. “This is to recognize the sacrifice of our teachers during elections,” Basilio said. Education Secretary Leonor Briones has declined to throw the agency’s support behind ACT, which filed a petition with the BIR asking it to scrap the tax.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 20, 2019 23:26 UTC