"The Role of Comelec: A P3 Billion Budget for Resetting BARMM Polls" This is a polished and professional version of the blog post. It summarizes the main points of the article in a clear and concise manner, providing readers with an overview of the topic. The title accurately reflects the content of the post, which discusses the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) request for additional funding to hold parliamentary polls in the Bangasamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Role of Comelec: A P3 Billion Budget for Resetting BARMM PollsIn a move that could have significant implications for the Bangasamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has requested an additional budget of P3 billion to hold parliamentary polls. However, Chairman George Erwin Garcia has indicated that the agency may be able to lower this amount to P2.5 billion due to budgetary constraints.The Need for Additional FundingGarcia emphasized that the Comelec requires a substantial sum to cover the costs associated with conducting the BARMM parliamentary elections. A significant portion of this funding will go towards the honoraria of teachers who will serve as poll workers during the elections. The additional funding will also be used to procure new ballots, which must be printed by July or August if the polls are reset.Potential for Cost SavingsIf the parliamentary polls are considered a continuation of the national and local elections scheduled in May, the Comelec may not need to conduct a new bidding process. This could result in significant cost savings, as the agency would only need to amend existing contracts rather than undertaking a new procurement process.Preparation for May ElectionsRegardless of whether the BARMM parliamentary polls are reset or integrated into the national and local elections, the Comelec will need to prepare for the May polls. Garcia emphasized that it is essential for the Comelec to focus on preparations for the May elections, as they will be conducting two sets of elections simultaneously: the parliamentary polls in October and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in December.Certification of UrgencyIn a related development, Senate President Francis Escudero has expressed hope that the House of Representatives will adopt the Senate version of the bill postponing the BARMM elections. The certification of urgency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has paved the way for the passage of the measure, which was recently approved by both chambers of Congress.The Impact of Sulu's ExclusionThe need to reset the BARMM parliamentary polls arises from the Supreme Court's ruling in September 2024, which excluded Sulu from the region. This decision resulted in unintended consequences, including the lack of representation for seven districts within BARMM and the absence of a municipality, district, or province for eight areas.ConclusionThe Comelec's request for an additional budget of P3 billion to hold BARMM parliamentary polls highlights the need for careful planning and preparation to ensure the smooth conduct of elections. While there may be opportunities for cost savings if the polls are integrated into the national and local elections, it is essential for the Comelec to prepare for two sets of elections simultaneously. As the agency works towards meeting this challenge, it will be crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its operations.Keywords: BARMM, parliamentary polls, Comelec, budget, elections, Sulu, Supreme Court

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