Comelec: ‘Deep cut’ to budget will impact conduct of 2022 elections

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday that the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) “deep cut” to its proposed budget will “significantly impact” how the poll body will conduct the 2022 national and local elections.

The Comelec has sought for a P41.9 billion budget for next year. However, this was cut by the DBM to only 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,” James Jimenez, the agency’s spokesperson, said in a statement.

He said the commission is reviewing its budget to see where adjustments can be made.

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

“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,” Jimenez added.

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