TEACHERS, COMELEC AGREED IN WELFARE TERMS FOR 2013 ELECTIONS
by Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 12:58pm
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) sees a better treatment to the teachers this coming 2013 elections after they had a dialogue with the Chairman of the Commission of Elections (Comelec), Atty. Sixto Brillantes Jr., last Friday, September 14. Benjo Basas, the group’s chairperson and a teacher from Caloocan City enumerated the agreement which include the following:
1. Fund allocation for legal defense and insurance coverage for teachers who will sit in the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI);
2. Comelec will seriously consider providing teachers with higher and better compensation. The Comelec Chair did not give an exact amount, however, he ensured that any savings in the budget of the election from the supposed provision of insurance and legal protection to teachers shall be given to them in the form of additional compensation, possibly after the elections. He also assured that whatever due the teachers shall be given on time;
3. The Comelec may either allow the teachers stationed in high-risk areas (areas of immediate concerns formerly known as election hotspots) for an optional duty or be given extra compensation in recognition of hazards. The same pay was given to Comelec personnel during their special registration in ARMM.
4. Reduction of number of voters per clustered precincts;
5. Only those teachers who are qualified to sit in the BEIs will be appointed, so as not to face legal liability and will not be disenfranchised. As per law, teachers are mandated to serve the elections; however there is a strict qualification. Only those who are registered voters of the city or municipality where they will serve are eligible for appointment. And only those who are registered voters in their precincts of assignment can cast their votes in the Automated Election System (AES)- putting many teachers in a disadvantaged situation. The Comelec agreed to settle the matter at this early stage.
The TDC also asked the Comelec Chair on his position on the group’s call for optional election duty, one of the strategic agenda of the TDC. The Chairman says, “Sec. Luistro told me about this demand, but if not you, who will be manning the elections? We cannot count on other sectors.” The Chairman added that the teachers are the most qualified for the job because they are rooted in the communities and are impartial.
Generally, the meeting went light and smooth, Chairman Brillantes also thanked the group for its sincerity in supporting the AES and for pressing more important issues of teachers like security and welfare other than compensation.
“The good thing about this group is they are not only concerned about money, they also want to ensure security and general welfare of the teachers which are more important.” Brillantes told the press when asked about the result of the dialogue.
Today, the TDC will formally ask the Commission, in accordance with the agreement to issue a resolution to put an end to the traditional system of appointing teachers in their precincts, which is not only illegal but may also compromise their constitutional right to suffrage.
“With Comelec Chair Brillantes, we believe that the 2013 elections will be more responsive of teachers concerns.” Basas said. “Our teachers are more than willing to serve, given the assurance of safety and better compensation for them.” Basas ended. #
1. Fund allocation for legal defense and insurance coverage for teachers who will sit in the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI);
2. Comelec will seriously consider providing teachers with higher and better compensation. The Comelec Chair did not give an exact amount, however, he ensured that any savings in the budget of the election from the supposed provision of insurance and legal protection to teachers shall be given to them in the form of additional compensation, possibly after the elections. He also assured that whatever due the teachers shall be given on time;
3. The Comelec may either allow the teachers stationed in high-risk areas (areas of immediate concerns formerly known as election hotspots) for an optional duty or be given extra compensation in recognition of hazards. The same pay was given to Comelec personnel during their special registration in ARMM.
4. Reduction of number of voters per clustered precincts;
5. Only those teachers who are qualified to sit in the BEIs will be appointed, so as not to face legal liability and will not be disenfranchised. As per law, teachers are mandated to serve the elections; however there is a strict qualification. Only those who are registered voters of the city or municipality where they will serve are eligible for appointment. And only those who are registered voters in their precincts of assignment can cast their votes in the Automated Election System (AES)- putting many teachers in a disadvantaged situation. The Comelec agreed to settle the matter at this early stage.
The TDC also asked the Comelec Chair on his position on the group’s call for optional election duty, one of the strategic agenda of the TDC. The Chairman says, “Sec. Luistro told me about this demand, but if not you, who will be manning the elections? We cannot count on other sectors.” The Chairman added that the teachers are the most qualified for the job because they are rooted in the communities and are impartial.
Generally, the meeting went light and smooth, Chairman Brillantes also thanked the group for its sincerity in supporting the AES and for pressing more important issues of teachers like security and welfare other than compensation.
“The good thing about this group is they are not only concerned about money, they also want to ensure security and general welfare of the teachers which are more important.” Brillantes told the press when asked about the result of the dialogue.
Today, the TDC will formally ask the Commission, in accordance with the agreement to issue a resolution to put an end to the traditional system of appointing teachers in their precincts, which is not only illegal but may also compromise their constitutional right to suffrage.
“With Comelec Chair Brillantes, we believe that the 2013 elections will be more responsive of teachers concerns.” Basas said. “Our teachers are more than willing to serve, given the assurance of safety and better compensation for them.” Basas ended. #
DepEd-GSIS-DBM MOA Signing witnessed by teacher-leaders
by Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
DepEd-GSIS-DBM MOA Signing witnessed by teacher-leaders
President Aquino and teacher-Leaders witness the signing of Tripartite MOA between DepEd, GSIS and DBM in Malacanang Palace, Tuesday September 11, 2012. The MOA stipulates the payment of arrears in premium contributions of teachers from the government share, among other agreements. Teachers and DepEd employees in active service will enjoy more benefits including higher loans and retirement benefits. While those who have been retired from the service will be refunded of any am
ount that was deducted from their supposed retirement benefits.
The TDC has been at the forefront of the clamour of teachers to end the unjust policies of the GSIS. In year 2008, TDC along with MPSTA filed a case in the Court of Appeals to nullify those policies, the appelate court ruled on the contrary in 2010. In that same year, the groups elevated the case in Supreme Court.
The TDC also lead numerous demonstrations, dialogues and forums that aim to educate the teachers on the issues surrounding GSIS.
This Mlaacanang event is a breaktrough victory for the teachers' more than a decade sruggle.
Standing L-R: Benjo Basas, Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairman; Mario Ramirez, PPSTA President; Rep. Antonio Tinio, ACT Chairman; Sen. Edgardo Angara; Rep. Sandy Ocampo; Atty. Domingo Alidon, Deped Neu President; and Benjie Valbuena, MPSTA President
Sitting L-R: Sec. Butch Abad, DBM; Sec. Armin Luistro, DepEd; Pres. Benigno Aquino; PGM Robert Vergara, GSIS; and Chairman Daniel Lacson, GSIS.
DepEd-GSIS-DBM MOA Signing witnessed by teacher-leaders
President Aquino and teacher-Leaders witness the signing of Tripartite MOA between DepEd, GSIS and DBM in Malacanang Palace, Tuesday September 11, 2012. The MOA stipulates the payment of arrears in premium contributions of teachers from the government share, among other agreements. Teachers and DepEd employees in active service will enjoy more benefits including higher loans and retirement benefits. While those who have been retired from the service will be refunded of any am
ount that was deducted from their supposed retirement benefits.
The TDC has been at the forefront of the clamour of teachers to end the unjust policies of the GSIS. In year 2008, TDC along with MPSTA filed a case in the Court of Appeals to nullify those policies, the appelate court ruled on the contrary in 2010. In that same year, the groups elevated the case in Supreme Court.
The TDC also lead numerous demonstrations, dialogues and forums that aim to educate the teachers on the issues surrounding GSIS.
This Mlaacanang event is a breaktrough victory for the teachers' more than a decade sruggle.
Standing L-R: Benjo Basas, Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairman; Mario Ramirez, PPSTA President; Rep. Antonio Tinio, ACT Chairman; Sen. Edgardo Angara; Rep. Sandy Ocampo; Atty. Domingo Alidon, Deped Neu President; and Benjie Valbuena, MPSTA President
Sitting L-R: Sec. Butch Abad, DBM; Sec. Armin Luistro, DepEd; Pres. Benigno Aquino; PGM Robert Vergara, GSIS; and Chairman Daniel Lacson, GSIS.