Comelec saves P148 B through use of excess ballots

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) saved some P148 billion when it decided to use the excess ballot papers in the May 2013 polls for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections next month.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said yesterday the poll body would no longer incur paper cost in printing the ballots for the upcoming elections.

“We find some use for the extra ballot papers so we were able to save some money. We badly need that because our allocation for the coming elections is not enough,” Brillantes said.

The Comelec has earmarked only P1.1 billion for the synchronized elections. The actual expenditure is expected to reach P3.4 billion, the poll chief said.

“We really wanted the barangay elections postponed because we do not have enough budget. But to get over with it, we will be using our savings,” he added.

The Comelec issued Resolution 9769, clarifying that the prohibition on the issuance of appointments, promotions, creation of new positions or giving salary increases in connection to next month’s elections shall take effect from Sept. 29 to Oct. 28.

The new resolution amended Resolution 9715, which stated that the “prohibited acts” should run from Sept. 28 to Nov. 12.