DBM: Comelec’s budget in 2027 NEP ‘enough’ for 2028 polls preparation

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday emphasized that the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s budget under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is sufficient for its preparation for the 2028 national elections.

The DBM made the statement after Comelec Chair George Garcia said during the House Committee on Appropriations’ budget hearing on Tuesday that the “reduction” from its proposed budget supposedly allocated to its preparatory national and local elections (PNLE) may “compromise” the 2028 national elections.

The Comelec is seeking a P44.7 billion budget for 2027, but the DBM recommended a total of P29.5 billion through the 2027 NEP.

Of the P15.2 billion reduction, P9.12 billion is supposedly allocated for the commission’s PNLE for 2028.

READ: Comelec: P9.12-B budget cut may ‘compromise’ 2028 elections

In a statement on Tuesday, the DBM pointed out the proposed P29.50 billion budget for Comelec under the 2027 NEP is actually 46 percent, or P9.31 billion, higher than the commission’s P20.20 billion allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Of the Comelec’s proposed P29.50-billion budget under the 2027 NEP, the DBM said P23.92 billion is intended for the PNLE.

The agency emphasized that this amount is “significantly higher than the P2.87 billion provided for the same purpose in FY (fiscal year) 2026.”

“The provision of PNLE funding as early as FY 2026 was made to accommodate Comelec’s representation that preparations for the 2028 elections needed to begin two years ahead of the [national and local elections], instead of the usual preparatory timeline,” the DBM said.

“Through the proposed FY 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,” it also said.

Aside from this, the DBM stated that the proposed P23.92 billion for the PNLE allocation under the 2027 NEP is also 14 percent, or P3 billion higher than the Comelec’s actual PNLE expenditures for the 2025 elections.

The agency likewise explained that under the regular budget cycle, the substantial PNLE requirements for the 2028 elections would typically be programmed starting in fiscal year 2027, one year before the 2028 elections.

“Nevertheless, the government recognized Comelec’s need for an extended preparation period and provided P2.87 billion in advance in FY 2026 to allow the Commission to commence preparatory activities earlier,” the agency pointed out.

Meanwhile, the DBM pointed out that the Comelec also enjoys “fiscal autonomy” under the Constitution since it is a member of the Constitutional Fiscal Autonomy Group.

This allows the Comelec’s approved annual appropriations to be released automatically and regularly, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the agency said.

The DBM also said the poll body may use its available appropriations and savings to augment deficiencies in items within its appropriations, subject to constitutional and statutory requirements.

The House Committee on Appropriations’ budget hearing for the Comelec’s 2027 budget is ongoing as of this writing. /mr