The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked Congress to restore P9.12 billion cut from its proposed 2027 budget, warning that the reduction could leave it short of vote-counting machines for the 2028 elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the agency’s requested P52.66-billion budget was reduced to about P44.7 billion, with around P9 billion in cuts affecting preparations for the polls.
He warned that the reduced funding could result in a shortage of 9,310 machines, potentially increasing the number of voters assigned to each precinct and causing longer waiting times.
Garcia also said the cuts could affect ballot printing, voter information materials, logistics, personnel training, warehouse rentals, and automated election system support.
To allow more time for election preparations, the Comelec is also considering moving the filing of certificates of candidacy to September 20-27, 2027, ahead of the usual October schedule.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 3, 2026
COMELEC ASKS CONGRESS TO REINSTATE P9-BILLION FUNDING
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