On All Souls’ Day, 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list Rep. Salvador Belaro Jr. urged the House Ways and Means Committee to expedite the passage of House Bill 7732 which seeks to grant 100 percent tax exemption on death benefits, honoraria, and travel allowances of teachers and other civil servants who render election service.
Election-related death benefit is P500,000 according to Republic Act No. 10756, or the Election Service Reform Act.
Belaro said the cost of the tax exemption “pales in comparison to the sacrifices of the teachers, soldiers, and other government employees called to duty for the elections.”
The education solon said the revenue cost of HB 7732 will not hurt national government operations.
“Isinasakripisyo ng mga kasapi ng board of election inspectors ang kanilang buhay, oras, at lakas para lamang matiyak ang malinis at maayos na halalan,” Belaro said.
He is hoping the bill can cover taxable year 2018 and the future elections starting with May 2019.
“Currently, the law provides for the following honoraria amount: Chairperson of Electoral Boards, P6,000; Members of Electoral Boards, P5,000; Department of Education Supervisor Officials (DESO), P4,000; and Support staff, P2,000,” the DepEd has said.
DepEd added these amounts “are exclusive of an additional P1,000 travel allowance.”
“The said honoraria and allowance shall be paid within 15 days from the date of the election. Other benefits include a minimum of five days service credit; legal indemnification package worth P50,000; medical assistance of up to P200,000 and election-related death benefit amounting to P500,000,” the DepEd also said.