Manila, May 19 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP758.459 million to cover the additional PHP1,000 honorarium for each poll worker, including teachers, who served during the May 12 midterm elections.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman made the announcement Monday, saying that the additional PHP1,000 is on top of the previously approved PHP2,000 increase as part of the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

As a result, the new honoraria rates for members of the Electoral Board are PHP13,000 for the chairperson, PHP12,000 for the poll clerk, PHP12,000 for the third member, and PHP9,000 for the support staff.

Meanwhile, the new rates for volunteer staff members from the Department of Education are: su...