2013 polls get P8.4B budget

ILONGGO Senator Franklin M. Drilon has confirmed the P8.42 billion budget for the holding of the 2013 synchronized local and national elections by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Drilon was in this city last week for the inauguration of the P70 million Iloilo River Esplanade project.

Along with the senator in the inaugural rites were Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who were joined with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and city lone district Congressman Jerry Treñas.

Drilon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, said the proposed election budget allocation is on top of the unobligated balance in 2012 amounting P11.57 billion which can be used to defray election related expenses to ensure a smooth automated election next year.

The amount was earmarked for the purchase of Precinct Count Optical System (PCOS) machines amounting P2.8 billion, the associated cost related to the purchase including acquisition of ballots and storage facilities amounting P6.13 billion, and budget for the Comelec Strategic Plan of P2.14 billion, yet posting a remaining balance of P1.15 billion which the agency will have to decide where to use it.

Drilon said that during the Comelec budget presentation, the agency would need P11.01 billion to implement the synchronized elections amounting P7.06 billion, the automated overseas absentee voting of P205.98 million, and the Youth Council and Barangay Registration and Elections of P3.75 billion.