P14-B na tinapyas ng DBM sa 2025 budget request ng COMELEC, makaaapekto umano sa ilan... | 24 Oras

Summary

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) expressed concerns over the reduced budget for the 2025 elections, as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) cut their requested funds by a billion. This could affect the elections, particularly the training of teachers serving as election officers and the honorarium for their services. The DBM also removed 11 billion for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and PH billion for the National and Local elections. The budget cut could lead to a shortfall in overseas internet voting and a decrease in the number of voting precincts from 120,000 to 104,000. Comelec is seeking the return of the reduced PH billion budget for the integrated election system.

Takeaways

• 📉 The Commission on Elections (Comelec) faced a budget reduction from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for their 2025 budget request.
• 🏢 The potential impact of the election year on the allocation and focus of resources was discussed by Comelec Chairman George Garcia.
• 🗣️ Garcia expressed concerns over the reduced budget during his presentation to the House Appropriations Committee.
• 💼 The DBM cut the Comelec's requested budget by 14 billion, which could affect the efficiency of election preparations.
• 🏫 The budget cut included a removal of 11 billion for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, and PH billion for National and local elections.
• 👨‍🏫 The reduction will affect teacher training for election duties and eliminate additional honorarium for teachers involved in the 2025 elections.
• 🌐 A shortfall of 111 million was identified for overseas internet voting due to the current contract costing 100 million, not including logistics.
• 🔄 Garcia hopes for the return of the reduced PH billion budget to address these issues.
• 🔋 There is a need for an additional 6,000 machines on standby in case of emergencies during the 2025 elections.
• 🗣️ The final response from the DBM was supportive, with lawmakers advocating for the restoration of the reduced budget to the Comelec.

Q & A

What was the original budget request of the Comelec for the 2025 elections?

The original budget request of the Comelec for the 2025 elections was not explicitly stated in the transcript, but it was mentioned that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reduced it by a significant amount.

How much was the budget reduced by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)?

The budget was reduced by 14 billion, as mentioned by Comelec Chairman George Garcia during his presentation to the House Appropriations Committee.

What was the reason given for the budget reduction by the DBM?

The transcript does not provide a specific reason for the budget reduction by the DBM, but it does mention that the current government has limited physical space, which might have influenced the decision.

What are the potential consequences of the budget reduction for the 2025 elections?

The potential consequences include a reduced number of precincts from 120,000 to 104,000, and the removal of additional honorarium for teachers serving in the elections, as well as a lack of funds for overseas internet voting.

How does the budget reduction affect the training for election officers?

The budget reduction affects the training for election officers as there is now a lack of funds for their training, which is crucial for the smooth conduct of the elections.

What was the budget allocation initially proposed for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections?

The budget allocation initially proposed for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections was 11 billion, which was later removed by the DBM.

What is the current status of the budget for the National and local elections due to the reduction?

The budget for the National and local elections is now insufficient due to the reduction, with a specific mention of a shortfall of 111 million for overseas internet voting.

What is the Comelec's stance on the budget reduction?

The Comelec, represented by Chairman George Garcia, expressed concern over the budget reduction and its potential impact on the elections. They are seeking support to restore the reduced budget.

What is the Comelec's request regarding the additional six thousand machines needed for the 2025 elections?

The Comelec requested an additional 6,000 machines for the 2025 elections as a standby, in case of emergencies, but the budget for this was not included in the reduced allocation.

What was the reaction of the House Appropriations Committee to the Comelec's concerns?

The reaction of the House Appropriations Committee was not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but it was noted that they were concerned about the budget reduction and its implications.

What is the Comelec's expectation from the executive department regarding the budget reduction?

The Comelec expects the executive department to understand the necessity of the funds they initially requested, as the reduced budget could negatively impact the conduct of the 2025 elections.