Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — The new Commission on Elections (Comelec) building that will be constructed in Pasay City is seen to be finished in three to four years, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said on Tuesday.
In a media briefing, Garcia said Comelec proposed the ₱8.3-billion budget based on consultations with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Sabi ng DPWH mula sa [₱]9.3 [billion], [₱]8.3 [billion] na lang muna. Subject to further adjustment [ito] kasi nagmamahal ang presyo ng kagamitan,” Garcia said.
[Translation: DPWH advised that from the proposed ₱9.3 billion, Comelec will pursue with the ₱8.3 billion. This is subject to further adjustments since the price of materials will increase.]
Garcia said the construction will begin by the third quarter of 2023 with a preliminary budget of ₱1.5 billion.
“Yun yung [budget na] kailangan namin sa unang taon upang makapagsimula [ng construction].”
[Translation: That is the budget we need in the first year to begin with the construction.]
He said bidding will begin in the first half of the year.
