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| Several Commission on Elections commissioners opposed the plan tp procure uniform bib vests for Board of Election Inspectors. Sheila Crisostomo, file |
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday canceled its plan to procure uniform bib vests for the teachers that will serve as Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in the May 9 elections.
The poll body was supposed to procure P26 million worth of bib vests for the poll inspectors.
Instead of wearing bib vests, BEIs will be required to wear Department of Education uniforms. The poll body will also provide IDs for the teachers.
Several commissioners of the Commission on Elections opposed the plan.
Commissioner Rowena Guanzon asked the Comelec en banc to reconsider its decision to purchase uniforms for Board of Election Inspectors.
"I saw a picture of what looks like a white bib, and I heard comments that the teachers do not like to wear it," Guanzon said in a memorandum addressed to the Comelec en banc.
Guanzon also suggested that a big identification card should be used for identifying BEIs instead of spending public funds for uniforms.
Commissioners Arthur Lim and Sheriff Abas have also expressed their opinion to reconsider their vote for the procurement of uniforms for BEIs.
Commissioners Robert Lim and Luie Tito Guia cited the negative reactions when the poll body announced the procurement of uniforms.
"Initially, the criticism was heavy in the social media. Thereafter, even the mainstream media came out with its critique of the procurement," Lim and Guia said in a memorandum.
Sens. Grace Poe and Aquilino Pimentel III earlier criticized the purchase of uniforms. Pimentel said that the Comelec should increase the allowances of teachers serving as BEIs. as the bib vests would have no use after the elections.
SOURCE: PHILSTAR