New Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin M. Garcia will be seeking the help of lawmakers in funding a proposed new Comelec building because its current office at the Palacio del Gobernador is "a fire hazard."
Garcia issued the statement during the public hearing by the constitutional commissions and offices committee of the Commission on Elections (CA) chaired by Senator Cynthia A. Villar tasked to determine his fitness to become the Comelec chief.
The CA later confirmed Garcia’s appointment based on the favorable recommendation of the Villar committee.
Garcia told lawmakers that the current Comelec headquarters is too cramped for comfort.
Asked by Senator Grace Poe why there are fires at the Comelec headquarters, Garcia said the Comelec is a ‘’fire hazard.’’
Garcia said Comelec wants to move to a new headquarters at a three-hectare site on Macapagal Avenue at the reclamation site in Paranaque fronting the Baclaran church.
He said President Marcos recently gave P500-million for Comelec’s seed fund.
The estimated cost of the proposed Comelec office is about P8.7-billion.
Gracie said he would soon pleading with senators and congressmen for Comelec’s funding requirements for the next four to five years or even beyond.
"We dream of our own home," Garcia told Villar.