MANILA- Teachers who served during the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls were not forced to do so, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez presented a document as proof that teachers said they were "willing and able."

"Lahat ng nag-serve sa Comelec may pinirmahan dokumento na nagsasabing sila ay willing at able to serve" he added.

(Everyone who served in Comelec signed a document that says they are willing and able to do so.)

Jimenez added that cash cards were distributed to teachers and explained that while there may be delays for some, the law provides that their honoraria should be given within 15 days after the vote.

The five percent withholding tax on teachers' honoraria was implemented by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and not the Comelec, he said.

• Comelec: No failure of election in 2018 village, youth polls

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, 99.98 percent of winners have been proclaimed, probably the fastest in any election, Jimenez said.