DBM trims Comelec proposed budget down to P26.5-B from P41.99-B

The Department of Budget and Management trimmed the Commission on Elections' (Comelec's) proposed budget of P41.992 billion down to P26.497 billion, according to the 2022 National Expenditure Program submitted by the DBM.

The Comelec had sought the P41.9 billion budget as it planned to hold a successful 2022 election amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Comelec also asked for a P37.6 billion budget for its election administration program but this, too, was cut down to P24.8 billion by the DBM.

The budget submitted by the DBM also included:

• Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay Elections — P8.4 billion
• Conduct and supervision of elections — P2.1 billion
• Overseas Absentee Voting Continuing Registration — P111.9 million
• Electoral Enforcement and Adjudication Program — P57 million
• Maintenance, updating, and safekeeping of records — P34 million

ADVERTISEMENT

• Preparation of voting centers — P24.4 million
• Monitoring the implementation of the election — P17 million

Comelec previously said it was eyeing to modify the campaign rules and regulations for the 2022 national and local elections due to the pandemic.

Over 2,000 groups had also urged for additional funds of P10 billion in the Comelec’s budget to fund the poll body's effort to create a virus-proof election.

As of June 22, Comelec said there will be at least 60 million registered voters.

Malacañang proposed a P5.024-trillion national budget for 2022.  — DVM, GMA News