2025 ELECTIONS: Teachers must pass certification exam to qualify for electoral board

Local

TEACHERS serving as electoral board members in the upcoming midterm elections must pass a certification exam administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The regional electoral body confirmed that the mandatory test ensures that teachers can competently operate vote-counting machines, reducing the risk of errors during the electoral process.

Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec-7) Regional Director Francisco Pobe emphasized that the commission is enforcing stricter standards to maintain the integrity of the elections.

Pobe said the commission aims to ensure that everyone handling the vote-counting machines is fully trained, both in theory and in practice.

Comelec-7 launched the certification program in February and will continue it until April.

Teachers who fail to obtain certification will be disqualified from serving in election duties.

To prevent disruptions, Comelec-7 has prepared a pool of backup teachers who have undergone the same training and are ready for deployment.

Beyond technical training, Comelec-7 has also addressed logistical concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of teachers during the elections.

Those assigned to remote areas will receive security escorts, while the Commission on Higher Education has deployed IT specialists to provide technical support for vote-counting machines on election day.

The Public Attorney’s Office will also offer legal assistance to teachers who may face harassment or election-related issues.

“To make sure our teachers are protected, supported, and fully equipped to perform their duties,” he added.

Currently, 50 teachers from Bohol and another 50 from

Cebu are undergoing intensive training as part of the commission’s preparation for the May elections.

This year’s midterm elections, scheduled for May 12, will involve around 68 million voters electing over 18,000 officials, including 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, and various local government officials.

The Comelec has classified 38 cities and municipalities nationwide as election hotspots under its highest red-level category due to significant peace and order concerns.

Another 177 areas have been placed under an orange-level alert, while 188 fall under the yellow category.

However, in Central Visayas, authorities report most areas of the region are not considered election hotspots, indicating a generally stable security situation.(MyTVCebu)