Demetriou twits DBM: P220 M for 2001 polls still unreleased

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) insisted yesterday that the P220 million earmarked for the 2001 national and local elections has not been released, contrary to the claim of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

"I firmly stand and reiterate my previous statement that the (DBM) has not yet released the P220 million allotted for the preparatory activities for the May 14, 2001 national and local elections," said Comelec chairperson Harriet Demetriou in a statement, in reaction to an earlier pronouncement by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

Demetriou said the P220 million has been earmarked under the 2000 national budget.

"We cannot forego the important preparations for the 2001 elections which have to be funded and sustained," she said.

She added: "Secretary Diokno’s statement and I quote, ‘show us the contracts that have to be paid and we will release the money,’ is veering from the real issue on the budget release. How can we show contracts when we cannot enter into contracts without the necessary funds?"

Demetriou said she cannot understand "why Secretary Diokno has taken it for granted."

She said Diokno might be referring to contracts for modernization projects like the Voters’ Registration and Identification System (VRIS) and the Automated Counting and Consolidation on Results System (ACCORS).

But she said the Comelec cannot award or sign these contracts without certifications that funds are available for the projects.

"Secretary Diokno must also be reminded that a successful 2001 election depends on an early well-meaning preparation," she said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec has approved the holding of general registration of voters in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur from Dec. 1 to 15. Registration will continue at the election officer’s office on Dec. 20-27.

Records of Marawi City voters were destroyed in a fire on July 16, 1998.