Comelec earmarks P150 million for ballots, pens for 2019 elections

MANILA, Philippines — Over P150 million has been allocated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the procurement of the ballot paper and marking pens that will be used for the May 2019 national and local polls.

In its invitation to bid, the Comelec Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) said an approved budget of the contract (ABC) amounting to P150,816,852 has been set aside for these election documents and paraphernalia.

The contract includes the procurement of 2,610 rolls of ballot paper for P125,280,000 or P48,000 per roll.

Also included is the purchase of 1,168,200 pieces of marking pens for P25,536,852 or P21.86 per piece.

“Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening,” the Comelec noted.

A complete set of bidding documents may be acquired upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P50,000 at the Comelec-BAC Secretariat located at the 4th Floor of the Shipping Center Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The submission and receipt of bids will be on Aug. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Comelec-Election and Barangay Affairs Department conference room located at the Palacio del Gobernador Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The Comelec has continuously been preparing for next year’s polls despite proposals to delay them in view of the possible conduct of plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will create a new autonomous region for Muslims in Mindanao.