Comelec: Deep cut on proposed budget to ‘significantly impact’ conduct of Eleksyon 2022

The deep cut on the proposed budget of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will significantly affect the conduct of the 2022 elections amid the coronavirus pandemic, spokesperson James Jimenez said Wednesday.

According to the 2022 National Expenditure Program submitted by the Department of Budget and Management, the proposed P41.992 billion budget of Comelec was trimmed down to P26.497 billion.

“The DBM’s deep cut into the Comelec’s proposed budget will significantly impact how the Comelec will conduct the 2022 National and Local Elections,” Jimenez said in a statement.

Jimenez said the poll body is currently reviewing the budget to identify possible adjustments.

“Even a cursory review of the National Expenditure Program, however, immediately reveals that the budget for the Electoral Boards will be one of the most affected,” he said.

Despite this, Jimenez assured the public that it will continue to push for the budget to ensure a safer election.

"The Comelec assures the public, however, that it will continue to advocate for its budget in order to ensure that the 2022 National Elections will be honest, credible, orderly, peaceful, and safe,” he said.

Over 2,000 groups earlier called for additional funds for the Comelec’s budget to equip the poll body in creating a virus-proof election for Filipinos in 2022.

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