THE Electoral Boards will bear the brunt of the slashed budget of the Commission on Elections during the conduct of the 2022 National and Local polls.
On Wednesday, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez lamented the decision of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reduce their proposed P42-billion budget to P26.5 billion in the 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“Even a cursory review of the National Expenditure Program, however, immediately reveals that the budget for the Electoral Boards will be one of the most affected,” Jimenez said in a brief statement.
He said they are currently reviewing the other parts of their operation that will be affected by the budget cut.
Nevertheless, Jimenez said Comelec is committed to hold the next elections even with their budgetary constraints.
“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,” Jimenez said.
“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.
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