Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) — The Commission on Elections’ budget request for 2022, the year of the presidential and local polls, has been slashed by ₱15.5 billion, budget documents showed.
Based on the 2022 national expenditure plan submitted to Congress on Monday, the Department of Budget and Management has recommended ₱26.498 billion for Comelec’s new appropriations, a third lower than the poll body’s ₱41.993-billion proposal.
However, the amount is still higher than the ₱14.815 billion earmarked for the Comelec this year. Budget for operations nearly doubled to ₱25.16 billion from ₱13.27 billion in 2021.
The bulk of the funds will be used for the conduct of the May 9 general elections. These include ₱450.5 million for the development of a software system and procedures for electronic voting, and ₱112 million for overseas voting.
Around ₱58 million will also be allotted for honoraria, which will be given to teachers serving as election officers on voting day.
Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said Monday that the approval of requests for hazard pay to teachers and policemen maintaining security in election precincts will depend on the allotment to the poll body.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez noted that various electoral boards will be among the “most affected” units by the budget reduction.
“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. The Commission is currently reviewing its budget to see where adjustments need to be made,” Jimenez told reporters.
“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 added.
High voter turnout
Despite the reduced allotment, a tall order has been set for the poll body.
A voter turnout of between 78-82% is being targeted next year, which translates to about 50 million Filipinos casting their ballots on election day out of over 61 million registered voters.
If realized, this would be higher than the 75.9% turnout in the 2019 midterm elections where 46.9 million people cast their ballots.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier said some voters may not head out to vote given COVID-19 concerns, but she does not expect a “significant” decline.
Voter registration is ongoing until Sept. 30.
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