Teachers as the Prime Movers on Election Day

By: OLIVER GUNGOB TUBIN, M.A.Ed.

It is indeed an honor for the teachers who always act as prime movers during
election day. Teachers have a great responsibility despite of a minimal honorarium
they are receiving. They are also very watchful of the possible violations that will
be observed before and after the election to wit:
a. Electioneering
b. Favoritism on the part of the candidates
c. Tampering the results
d. Manipulating the election returns
e. Allowing the voters to cheat during voting process, etc.
All these things must not be committed by the teachers otherwise they will
be dealt with legal actions accordingly by the COMELEC and candidates as well. It
is said that teachers are the models inside and outside the classroom. They also
serve as public servants who always heed the call for public services like; elections,
tree planting, feeding, clean-up drive, medical mission, brigada eskwela, etc..They
also produce responsible citizens of our country today like, doctors, engineers,
lawyers, dentists, pilots, medical representatives, nurses, etc.
On Election day, teachers who are BEI’s must be watchful of possible
irregularities that might occur during the conduct of the election. The chairman of
the Board of Election Inspectors has the full authority inside the polling place.
He/she can issue a warrant of arrest against the person who ruins the conduct of
the election process and the like.
Teachers who will serve on election day have dashing smiles on their faces
since they will be provided with PCOS machines which facilitate the counting of
votes and printing of votes casted or election returns.
Aside from the aforementioned scenarios, they are also be happy because
they will be given 5 days service credits. The are also branded as heroes and
heroines because with out them the conduct of the election would not be made
possible.
Let’s just hope and pray that the conduct of the election will be successful
and out of unpredicted incidents.