Comelec asks for addt'l budget for proposed early voting

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, May 9, requested for additional funds in relation to the proposed measure providing for early voting by qualified senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), lawyers, and human resources for health in national and local elections. This was after the House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 7576. According to Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco, Comelec's funds are already "itemized" and is just enough for the submitted Projects, Programs, and Activities for this year's General Appropriations Act (GAA). Laudiangco added that it is stated in the bill that all funds for its preliminary implementation will be taken from the GAA while it is not part of its current budget. Laudiangco stated that the additional funds will be used to acquire different voting centers aside from schools since the voting schedules may interfere with classes. He added that it will also be used to train more teachers, government staff, and other citizens who will serve as part of the Electoral Boards (EBs). "Ang Halalan ay nasa pagitan ng panahon ng pag aaral ng mga estudyante at makakaapekto ang election duties ng mga guro kung mas mahaba ang pagsisilbihan nilang halalan (The elections will be conducted during school days and election duties may greatly affect the teachers who will be serving a longer time during the elections)," Laudiangco explained. "Maaaring maabala ang pormal na pag aaral ng mga kabataan kung ang karamihan sa mga kanilang guro ay matatali sa election duties ng mas matagal (It may affect the studies of the students if majority of their teachers will be too busy with election duties for a long time)," he added. Lastly, Laudiangco said that the requested funds will be allotted for additional honoraria for more EBs since more days of service will be done during early voting.