Raps eyed vs Comelec execs over P700 million cash advances

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections is considering filing criminal charges against Comelec officials over unliquidated cash advances amounting to P700 million in connection with the May 2022 elections, an official disclosed yesterday.

According to Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco, demand letters have been sent requiring the poll officers to submit the necessary documents or face charges.

“They need to submit documents for the cash advances made during the last elections,” Laudiangco said at a press briefing.

“Otherwise, we will withhold their salaries and benefits or we will file complaints against them,” he added.

The Commission on Audit (COA) recently called out the Comelec for failing to liquidate some P2 billion in cash advances.

Of the amount, Laudiangco said the poll body had liquidated P1.3 billion as of July 12.

He said a large portion of the remaining P700-million unliquidated cash advances was spent for the honoraria of the electoral boards as well as training and accommodations.

Part of the unliquidated cash advances, Laudiangco said, was used for the conduct of command conferences, payment of gasoline and transport of election materials used for the 2022 general elections.

Laudiangco expressed optimism that the involved Comelec officials would be able to submit the documents required by the COA.

“We will make sure that the cash advances are accounted for,” he said.