MANILA - Presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed his gratitude to hundreds of thousands of teachers, poll workers and volunteers who took to the frontlines in ensuring the peaceful, honest, orderly and credible conduct of the historic May 9 elections.

Marcos described as awe-inspiring the heroism and sacrifice shown by the teachers, poll watchers and volunteers throughout the country in ensuring that the last election would be held smoothly and successfully.

"Talaga namang pinahanga ninyo kami ng husto. Ang ipinakita ninyong pagmamalasakit at sakripisyo ang isa sa gagamitin naming inspirasyon ni Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte para paglingkuran ng maayos ang ating bansa (You really impressed us a lot. The concern and sacrifice you have shown, inspire me and Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte to serve our country well)," Marcos said in a news release on Monday.

Aside from them, Marcos also saluted the entire Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and all force multipliers who stood their ground against lawless elements and displayed utmost patience and bravery in maintaining peace and order throughout the entire campaign period until the actual election day.

"You (soldiers and police officers) have shown remarkable professionalism and dedication in performing your sworn duties. Your courage and heroism have helped the entire nation in hurdling the many challenges brought by the past elections," he said.

P3K additional allowance

At the same time, Marcos said he was in favor of the Department of Education's (DepEd) request to give an additional PHP3,000 allowance to all teachers and non-teaching personnel who served as members of the Electoral Board.

In a letter submitted by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, she asked Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan, to give an additional PHP3,000 to all the teachers who provided election services.

Marcos stressed that the amount is justifiable pointing out that the services and sacrifices they provided were actually unquantifiable.

He also expressed hope that the compensations, honoraria and other allowances of all teachers will be given before May 24 as stipulated in Comelec Resolution No. 10727.

Around 647,812 DepEd personnel performed services and duties in the last elections.

Of the said number, about 319,000 teachers sat as members of the electoral board, while 200,000 DepEd personnel served as supervisory election officials, in collaboration with the Comelec personnel. (PR)