Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that the PHP2.7 billion budget for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) has been approved in principle by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). This approval marks a significant step forward in the preparations for the elections scheduled for October.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that the approval enables the election body to initiate its preparations for the BPE. Garcia emphasized that to access the allocated budget, Comelec must submit a comprehensive financial plan detailing expenditure and procurement needs. He noted that the funds would not be released in full initially.

Garcia highlighted that a portion of the budget would be allocated to provide additional honoraria for members of the Electoral Boards (EBs). He stressed the importance of equitable compensation, stating that EB members serving in the BPE should receive an additional PHP2,000 honoraria, similar to those serving in national and local elections.

Additionally, Garcia mentioned plans to hire more support staff in voting centers for the BPE. He acknowledged that employing extra staff would necessitate an increase in the budget, further underlining the need for careful financial planning to ensure the smooth execution of the elections.