MANILA – Senators have opposed the alleged plan to insert a provision in the 2021 national budget that would allow the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to waive tests and certifications for the security of equipment that would be used in automated polls.
Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said he was alerted by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon about the supposed plan.
According to Angara, there was an alleged attempt to insert a provision in the spending bill to authorize the Comelec to waive safeguards in the procurement of equipment and materials guaranteed under the Automated Election Law.
Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms chair Imee Marcos, who will also participate in the bicameral conference slated on Dec. 1, also said she is opposing the inclusion of the said provision.
“I just saw this reported amendment but am completely opposed to waiving procurement safeguards,” Marcos said in a separate statement. “No, I have no clue who its author might be.”
Based on the P4.5-trillion 2021 General Appropriations Act, the Comelec is expected to receive at least P14.56 billion to prepare for the 2022 national elections./PN
