THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday that the PHP2.7 billion budget for the holding of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) in October has been approved in principle by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia, in an interview, said this would enable the poll body to start its preparations for the BPE.
"In order for us to utilize the budget allocated, we just have to submit our financial plan on how we will spend it, what do we need to procure, et al. It won't be given to us fully," he said.
At the same time, Garcia noted that parts of the funds would be used to provide additional honoraria for members of the Electoral Boards (EBs).
"Not only should the EB members in the national and local polls be given additional PHP2,000. Those that will serve in the BPE should also be given additional PHP2,000 across-the-board," he said.
He added that they are also looking to hire additional support staff in the voting centers for the BPE.
"Having additional support staff will require additional budget," said Garcia. (Ferdinand Patinio)
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