Gordon, Angara urge Comelec to resubmit budget to ensure full automation of 2010 polls

MANILA, Philippines – Senators have asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to review and re-submit its proposed 2009 budget to ensure a fully automated, clean and credible election in 2010.

Sen. Richard Gordon and Edgardo Angara on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the Comelec’s presentation of its 2009 budget and told Comelec officials to include everything that would be needed for the 2010 elections, especially the requirements for the full computerization of the national elections. The Comelec presented its proposed 2009 budget of P3.8 billion, but this figure excludes the budget for automation.

When asked how much it would take to cover the cost of complete automation, Comelec chair Jose Melo cited a figure of P50 billion, which Gordon said seemed too bloated for automation alone.

On the other hand, the supplier of the system said that based on his estimates, a combination of the two technologies, 75 percent direct recording electronic (DRE) and 25 percent optical mark reader (OMR), would only cost between P15 billion to P18 billion.

Gordon said the Comelec should study and submit its budget proposal for the next two years so that it could still be included in the 2009 General Appropriations Bill before the House of Representatives starts its deliberations.

Angara also stressed that Comelec should be able to incorporate in its 2009 budget the provision for the 2010 poll automation.

He noted that Comelec should study and determine every single figure in the costs of the proposed automation because Filipinos would be deprived of clean elections in 2010 if this does not push through.

“I would strongly suggest that the advisory committee sit down with the potential bidders and really look into every single figure in the costing because it is going to be unfortunate if this will not push through, simply because it is so expensive, that there will be a huge public outcry against it. Whereas, you and I know that this may be one good way to have clean elections,” Angara said.

“That’s why I think it is very important that you bargain hard, and I hope that the suppliers will see also the public service element in this,” he added.

He also advised Comelec to present its budget at the House of Representatives to have better chances.

“Your window of opportunity is to catch the House of Representatives’ hearing on the 2009 budget because it’s better that your proposed budget for the 2010 elections are incorporated in the House bill itself. As you know, the Senate cannot tap the present budget. So it is better to negotiate it in the House,” Angara explained.

Angara also urged voting machine suppliers to work hand in hand with Comelec in order to push through with nationwide election automation.

“If this will be successful, I think this will be the one of the biggest uses of their technology. So I would urge the representatives of the vendors to consider very strongly at least donating a substantial portion of their technology for the sake of democracy, to save the democracy of the Philippines,” Angara said.

Gordon agreed, saying, “How much is our democracy worth? I believe that an automated elections system will save us time and a lot of money on electoral protests. A credible election system will restore our people’s trust and confidence not only in our electoral process, but also in our government.”        – Aurea Calica