[필리]

MANILA: Sen. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure "maximum protection" for teachers serving in this year's elections, especially those located in areas of concern. He made the call two weeks before the national and local elections would take place, PhilStar reported.

"Teachers are our front liners in maintaining order in our elections. We should certainly give them protection from any kind of disorder or violence on the day of the elections since their lives are at stake," Gatchalian, who chairs his chamber's basic education, arts, and culture committee said in Filipino in an emailed statement on Friday.  Citing data from the DILG and PNP, the lawmaker said that 105 municipalities and 15 cities may be identified as areas of concern or "red areas" which experienced election-related incidents and serious" threats" from armed groups. The Commission on Elections has yet to release the final list of places under concern. 

Teachers are part of the Electoral Boards (EBs). Members of the EB will receive honoraria, travel allowances, communication allowances, anti-COVID-19 allowances and service credits for their services from the government.