MANILA: Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said the PHP13 billion savings from simultaneously holding the 2025 midterm elections and the plebiscite to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution can be used to boost other programs. In a statement, Zubiri said the "strategic move" not only streamlines the electoral processes but also saves valuable resources. "PHP13 billion is a significant amount that could be allocated towards critical infrastructure projects and social programs that will benefit our nation," Zubiri said, welcoming Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia's statement, saying the midterm polls and the plebiscite can be held simultaneously. He said the amount can fund the construction of around 5,200 classrooms. "I agree with the position of the Comelec. With limited resources and competing priorities, it is imperative that we maximize every peso spent to address the most pressing needs of our citizens, and it also aligns with the vision of the P resident for the country," Zubiri said. Senator Sonny Angara, who filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) with Zubiri and suggested holding the plebiscite with the midterm elections, said he was delighted to know that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. agreed with the idea. In an interview before flying to Australia Wednesday, Marcos said holding the 2025 midterm elections and the plebiscite would result in 'huge savings' for the government. Angara hoped to bring the RBH 6 to the plenary before the President's State of the Nation Address in July. "Palagay ko may oras. It's only March. Marami pang buwan bago mag-October, so, maraming oportunidad para plantsahin 'yung mga detalye (I think we have the time. It's only March. There are still a lot of months before October, so there are a lot of opportunities to finalize the details)," he said. Angara, chairperson of the Senate subcommittee on RBH 6, leads the discussions on the proposed amendments. Invited in the continuing discussions next week are rep resentatives from educational institutions.
