Pursuant to the Constitution of the Philippines, the Omnibus Election Code and other related election laws, the Commission on Elections may deputize certain government departments/agencies in connection with National & Local Elections.
Primarily, the Department of Education is one of these government departments. The Department Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, Provincial/City Superintendents of Schools or Officers-In-Charge are designated as Deputies of the Commission on Elections; and the District Supervisors, School Principals or Officer-In-Charge are appointed Assistant Deputies.
Some of the specific functions of each designated Deputies and appointed Assistant Deputies:
The Department Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors complies with and enforce all orders and instructions of the Commission relative to the election duties and functions of public school teacher in connection with the elections, and performs such other measures as are necessary including the use of all public school buildings designated as polling places/centers.
The Provincial/City Superintendents of Schools or Officers-In-Charge, submit to the Election Officers (EO) not later than the deadline set by the Commission on Elections the list of public school teachers, district supervisor and school principals to be appointed as Chairmen and members of the Board of Election Inspectors and Assistant Deputies. Relative to May 13, 2013 National and Local Election the list must be submitted on January 02-15, 2013.
The District Supervisors, School Principals or Officer-In-Charge shall supervise public school teachers appointed as members of the Board of Election Inspectors in their area of jurisdiction, receive all communications from the Commission or its deputies and transmit the same to the Board and to receive complaint against any erring Chairman or member. To adopt, jointly with the Election Officer and the Board of Election Inspectors, measures to safeguard election documents and paraphernalia.
During election period transfer of personnel assignment or position is prohibited unless otherwise with prior authority by the Commission on Elections.
No conference, seminar or any school activity, which might interfere, restrict, or prevent the performance of election duties shall be held during the election period except upon prior authority of the Commission on Elections.
BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS
By operation of law the Board of Election Inspectors is a duly constituted authority to conduct elections provided in Article XIV of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws.
The Board, composed of Chairman, Poll Clerk and Third member is working together as a team to ensure the conduct of free, orderly, peaceful and credible elections in the precinct where they are assigned.
Constitution of the members of the Board of Election Inspectors is provided in a resolution issued by the Commission on Elections. Guidelines of appointment is ordinarily based on the list of public school teachers submitted by the Department of Education most highest and senior official in the municipality, giving preference to those with permanent appointment and who served during the last preceding National and Local Elections.
In cases where appointment of public school teachers is not possible due to disqualifications, the Election Officer has the authority to appoint private school teachers, civil service employees, or registered voters of known probity and competence.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be a public school teacher, with good moral character and irreproachable reputation.
- Registered voter of the municipality.
- Has never been convicted of any election offense or with pending information of election offense or any other crime in courts or Comelec.
- Able to speak, read and write English or local dialect.
- Must be an Information Technology-capable person duly certified by Department of Science and Technology. (Republic Act No. 9369).
DISQUALIFICATIONS
The appointee or his/her spouse must not be related with any member of the Board where he/she was assigned or to any candidates for the election within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
As the official representative of the Commission on Elections in the municipality, the Election Officer constitutes and appoints the member of the Board of Election Inspectors. The Election Officer ensures that each constituted and appointed members of the Board of Election Inspectors is in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, regulations issued by the Commission on Elections.
