Several teachers assigned as chairperson and members of the Election Board including school heads were informally reported to the Division office to have experienced harassment and coercion from candidates and their supporters in the recently held barangay elections. Although election service is no
longer compulsory under Republic Act No. 10756 (An Act Rendering Election Service Non-Compulsory for Public School Teachers, Authorizing the Appointment of Other Qualified Citizens, Providing for Compensation and Other Benefits), the safety and security of those teachers who willingly and voluntarily serve during elections must, at all times, be ensured.
In line with this, all concerned school heads are required to submit a narrative report of electionrelated incidents of harassment and coercion committed against teachers in the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Such report will be the basis of our request to COMELEC in formulating guidelines and policies that will safeguard not only the sanctity of the ballots but also the rights of those who guard them- our public school teachers.
Submission of the aforesaid report must be made within three (3) days from issuance of this memorandum to the Legal Unit of this Division.
For your information and guidance.
