Comelec seeks P2.5B more for delayed BARMM polls

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections has called on Congress to pass a ₱2.5-billion supplemental fund for the resetting of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the amount would cover the adjustments needed if the BARMM elections are held separate from the May 12 midterm elections.

“‘Pag sineparate ito iba yung mga bayad sa guro, o yung ating honoraria, yung lahat ng election paraphernalia, iba rin po yung set ng mga balota. Practically, as if magko-conduct ka ng special election sa buong rehiyon. Kailangan ng Comelec ay ₱2.5 billion,” Garcia said in a chance interview with reporters in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 30.

[Translation: If this is separated, there will be different payments for teachers, or for our honoraria, as well as separate election paraphernalia. The set of ballots will also be different. Practically, it will be like conducting a special election across the entire region. The Comelec needs ₱2.5 billion for this.]

“At iyan pong sentimyentong ‘yan ay properly conveyed natin sa Kongreso, more specifically sa ating Senado para sana maisama man lang doon sa mismong magiging batas kung saka-sakali ito,” he said.

[Translation: And this sentiment is properly conveyed to Congress, more specifically to our Senate, so that it may hopefully be included in the final version of the law, just in case.]

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Senate is set to pass on third reading moving the BARMM elections to October. The House of Representatives had previously passed a measure proposing a one-year postponement.

Senator JV Ejercito, local government committee chairman, said the bicameral conference committee would convene on Feb. 4 to ratify the final version by Wednesday before the congressional break to give way for the campaign period.

“Nothing is final. Ang final naman talaga is the bicam (The final decision will really come from the bicam),” Ejercito told Thursday’s Kapihan sa Senado media forum.

Garcia said that aside from the date and funding, other issues still need to be addressed. For instance, will the Comelec reopen the filing of certificates of candidacy, or will it carry over the list of candidates from the November 2024 filing? Will Sulu's seven parliamentary seats be reassigned following the province's exit from BARMM? Additionally, will the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections also be rescheduled, or will the Comelec need to simultaneously prepare for both elections?

Garcia also reminded BARMM voters that they will still vote for senatorial candidates and other local positions on May 12.