Poll body requests P6.6-B budget for modernization

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has proposed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) a P6.6-billion budget for its modernization program from 2003 to 2005.

A top Comelec official, who requested anonymity, said about P5 billion of the proposed budget, which was submitted to the DBM last Tuesday, is earmarked for the National Precinct Mapping and Computerized Voters’ List (CVL) projects.

Of the P5 billion, P200 million will go to precinct mapping, and the rest to the CVL project.

The rest of the P6.6 billion, or P1.6 billion, will be used, as proposed, for the Automated Counting and Consolidation of Results System (ACCORS), another failed project of the Comelec.

According to the Comelec source, both projects, which were suspended during the stint of former Chairman Alfredo Benipayo, were revived when Benjamin Abalos Sr. took over the helm of the poll body.

The Abalos-led Comelec hopes to implement both projects in time for the 2004 national elections.

Earlier, Abalos said the poll body has come up with another project, called the National Computerized Registration of Voters, which will involve "electronic fingerprinting."

The source, however, said this is also the Computerized Voters’ List project.

"You could go to the precincts (without having to show an) ID to prove who you are," Abalos said.

Abalos said the Comelec needs about P3 billion for a general registration. But with the new budget proposal, it could go up to P4.8 billion, the source said.

Abalos said they plan to resume the National Precinct Mapping and Computerized Voters’ List projects in February or March next year.

Commissioner Ralph Lantion has been appointed as the new head of the Comelec’s bids and awards committee.