A Caloocan City-based teachers' group added its voice Tuesday to the growing concern over the country's first automated election, urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to start the training and education of public school teachers.

The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) said that while it is acknowledging that the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by the Comelec and the Department of Education (DepEd) concerning teachers who will sit as members of Board of Election Inspectors is a good start, the orientation for teachers must start immediately.

Benjo Basas, TDC chairman, said the agreement signed by DepEd and Comelec only assured the compensation package for teachers sitting as BEI chairmen and members.

The package includes a total of P4,300 for each BEI member and other benefits such as insurance and extra leave credits.

“At least one of our major concerns in the elections has been resolved through the agreement but we believe that the orientation for teachers in this election must be done immediately," Basas said.

The group also cited statements from various sectors, including the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), raising concerns over the automated election.

“Speculations and doubts as regards to the credibility of the system and the election body’s capacity to facilitate the full automation may be reduced should it take measures to involve the important stakeholders in its program of information,” Basas added.

He said the TDC is more than willing to help the Comelec in educating and informing the public on the importance of the automated election if the poll body will tap their services.