Arroyo orders funding for 2004 poll automation

President Arroyo has earmarked P2.5 billion for an automated electoral system to ensure "clean and honest" national and local elections next year.

In issuing Executive Order 172, Mrs. Arroyo ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allocate P2.5 billion for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from "existing appropriations and savings" of all government agencies.

"All departments are hereby directed to assist the Comelec in the establishment of the automated electoral system in time for the May 10, 2004 national and local elections," read EO 172.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the P2.5 billion will be "exclusively used" to fund the automated electoral system, specifically "the process of voting, counting of votes and canvassing/consolidation" of the election results.

"The primary purpose of EO 172 is to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections, and assure the secrecy and sanctity of the ballots in order that the results of elections and other electoral exercises shall be fast, accurate and reflective of the genuine will of the people," he said.

"These very important aspects of the election process will have specific funding. All departments are directed by the President to help the Comelec to set up the automated election system. These funds are already part of the previous allocations."

Under EO 172, the Comelec is mandated to acquire automated counting machines, computer equipment, devices and materials, and adopt new forms and printing materials. –Jose Rodel Clapano