As we approach the May 14 elections, the whole country looks again at the crucial role of teachers and the entire DECS organization in the electoral process. Time and again, many sectors of   our society have paid tribute to our teachers for their immeasurable contribution to the holding of free, honest, and orderly elections. There have even been instances in the past when teachers have sacrificed their lives to protect the sanctity of the ballot and to safeguard the integrity of this democratic exercise of our rights.

We are now calling again on our teachers and other school personnel to gear up for the coming elections. Ours is a fragile democracy, and the holding of free, honest, and orderly elections will confirm the growing stability of our democratic institutions. It is our duty to God and country that we shall endeavor to make this happen. Let us be firm in our commitment and conscientious in our duties as guardians of the ballot.

We also recognize that there are inherent risks in our participation in the electoral process. Measures are therefore being put in place, such as legal assistance and life and accident insurance, to protect teachers who may find themselves in trouble as they try to faithfully perform their mandated duties. At the same time, we are aware that there have been isolated cases in the past of teachers and school officials who have allowed themselves to be used as instruments for subverting the people’s will. It is our hope that none of these will happen again; otherwise we will have no choice but to apply the full force of the law on erring personnel.

Our country is now in a critical stage of its economic, social, and political development. Our people look up to us to ensure that the outcome of the elections will truly reflect the sovereign will of the people.