The government is proposing P29.5 billion for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in 2027 as the poll body moves into a more intensive phase of preparations for the 2028 national and local elections.
The proposed allocation is P9.31 billion, or 46%, higher than Comelec’s P20.20-billion budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
On a National Expenditure Program-to-NEP comparison, the increase is even larger. The proposed 2027 allocation is P17.65 billion higher than the P11.85 billion proposed for Comelec in the 2026 NEP, representing a 149% increase.
The bulk of the proposed funding would go toward Preparatory National and Local Elections (PNLE) activities.
About P23.92 billion, or more than 80% of the proposed Comelec budget, is earmarked for the PNLE in 2027. This is significantly higher than the P2.87 billion provided for the same purpose in 2026.
The DBM said the early release of PNLE funding in 2026 followed Comelec’s position that preparations for the 2028 elections should begin two years before the polls rather than under the usual one-year preparatory timeline.
Under the regular budget cycle, major PNLE requirements for a national and local election would normally be programmed in the year immediately before the polls.
“Nevertheless, the government recognized Comelec’s need for an extended preparation period and provided PHP2.87 billion in advance in FY 2026 to allow the Commission to commence preparatory activities earlier,” the DBM said.
The proposed P23.92-billion PNLE allocation for 2027 is about P3 billion, or 14%, higher than Comelec’s actual PNLE expenditures for the 2025 national and local elections, according to the DBM.
The agency said the larger allocation recognizes 2027 as a critical preparation year for the 2028 polls and is intended to give Comelec enough resources to undertake election-related activities ahead of the nationwide vote.
The DBM also noted that Comelec is part of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group and enjoys fiscal autonomy under the Constitution.
Approved annual appropriations for the poll body are automatically and regularly released in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
“Comelec may likewise utilize available appropriations and, subject to constitutional and statutory requirements, use savings to augment deficiencies in items within its appropriations,” the DBM said.
The proposed budget is part of the 2027 National Expenditure Program, which will undergo congressional deliberations before the final appropriations are enacted.
“Through the proposed 2027 allocation, the government seeks to ensure that preparations for the 2028 elections are adequately supported while maintaining the prudent, efficient, and accountable use of public funds,” the DBM said.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
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