The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo City office began releasing honoraria on Wednesday to poll workers who served during the May 12 national and local elections.

Over half of the 2,700 recipients received their payment on the first day of the payout, according to Comelec Iloilo City Election Officer IV, lawyer Pinky Jenivi Tentativa.

The three-day payout schedule covers members of the Electoral Board (EB), Department of Education Supervising Officers (DESOs), and their technical support staff.

Under the standard rates, EB chairs are entitled to PHP12,000, while members receive PHP11,000. DESOs and their support staff receive PHP9,000 and PHP8,000, respectively.

All payments are subject to applicable taxes.

“We have to wait for the Comelec pronouncement as to the additional PHP1,000,” she said.

The disbursement is being held at Cinema 5 of Robinsons Place Iloilo. Those who could not make it until Friday are advised to proceed to the Comelec Iloilo City office.

Meanwhile, Tentativa said they are still waiting for election candidates to file their statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE).

“We have the June 11 deadline for them to file their SOCE. We also sent notices to our candidates, reminding them that they need to file their SOCE,” she said, adding that failure to comply could result in penalties and, in repeated cases, disqualification from assuming office or running for public office in the future.

On the other hand, they are also preparing to resume voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in December.

The registration is set for July 1-11 for 15-year-olds and above. (PNA)