Comelec taps private school teachers, gov’t workers as BEIs

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said private school teachers and other government and non-government personnel can augment public school teachers as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs). (Photo By Source, Fair use)

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said private school teachers and other government and non-government personnel can augment public school teachers as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs).

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10194, the poll body said aside from teachers from the private sector, employees from the national government particularly non-teaching personnel from the Department of Education (DepEd) are qualified substitutes.

“In case any of the circumstance mentioned in the preceding section exists, the EO may appoint the following persons based on their order of preference, who shall likewise be qualified, willing, and available to render election¬ related service,” said the Resolution dated September 5.

The poll body noted that private school teachers that will be allowed to serve are preferably those employed in private schools being utilized by the commission as voting centers; those whose place of employment is within the vicinity; those teaching in high school or college level that are holding regular positions; or those who have previously served as member of the BEI.

Other national government officials and employees, holding permanent positions, except the uniformed personnel of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) may also be tapped to serve in electoral exercises.

Members of the Comelec-accredited citizens’ arms or other civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) are also allowed to serve in the polls.

The poll body added that registered voters of the city or municipality of known integrity and competence, who are not connected with any candidate or political party, shall also be allowed to serve as BEI members if needed.

“Substitutes shall be on-call on Election Day. The Election Officer (EO) shall cause the deployment of substitute in case any member of the Electoral Board fails to report in the designated polling place,” the resolution said.

On the other hand, the resolution added that public school teachers shall still be the preferred poll workers on election day.

“EOs shall give preference to public school teachers who are qualified, willing, and available to render election service,” the Comelec said.

As for members of the PNP, the Comelec said they may be deputized as BEI members but only if the peace and order situation in an area requires it.

“Uniformed personnel of the PNP may be deputized as a member of the Electoral Board, if the following circumstances are present, like the peace and order situation in the area requires their appointment,” said the poll body.

On April 8, 2016, former President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10756 which made election service voluntary for public school teachers.