MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has submitted its request for an P11-billion supplemental budget to the Department of Budget Management and Malacañang to be used for the 2010 automated elections.

Comelec Chair Jose Melo said he was assured by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita that the Palace would work with Congress for the release of the funds. Malacañang or the DBM then submit their recommendations for more funds to Congress.

“I was told that the request would be included in the budget message of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when Congress opens,” he added.

Melo made the statement in reaction to Senator Richard Gordon’s statement that the poll body should let Congress know how much it needs for the computerized elections in 2010.

“Right now, it isn’t clear whether automation is possible for the 2010 elections since no request for a supplemental budget has been submitted by the Comelec to Congress,” the senator said.

The Comelec chair has repeatedly said that the poll body would push through with the automated elections, adding that they had already drafted a preliminary timeline in preparation for the event.