MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday rejected the P15.3 million demand by Impact Hub, its partner organizer in the botched 2022 town hall debates.
In a letter addressed to Impact Hub’s counsel, Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. explained that the company’s demand had no documents to support its validity.
“Upon evaluation, Impact Hub’s demand for payment is not accompanied by the documentary requirements necessary to establish the validity of claim,” said Elnas.
“In this regard, the Commission is constrained to DENY Impact Hub’s claim for P15,300,000,” it added.
Elnas explained that claims for payment “not compliant with the pertinent procurement, accounting and auditing rules will not be processed” as it may become the subject of disallowances by the Commission on Audit.
The Comelec, prior to the 2022 national and local elections was forced to postpone the final debates by a week, Impact Hub, sent bouncing checks to Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
Hence, the Comelec’s town hall debates were replaced with the PiliPinas Forum.panel interview.