The Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) budget for 2024 will be used to support its regular operations, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Wednesday.

“The Constitution grants fiscal autonomy to the Comelec and declares that its approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly released,” Pangandaman said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

Her statement came amid concerns that the Comelec’s PHP14-billion budget under the 2024 General Appropriations Act would be used to finance the proposed Charter Change or people’s initiative.

The DBM originally asked for a PHP2-billion budget for Comelec in 2024, lower by PHP17.4 billion than the poll body’s initial proposal of PHP19.4 billion.

The bicameral conference committee, however, approved a PHP14-billion budget for the Comelec.

Pangandaman said Congress approved the PHP12 billion increase upon the Comelec’s request.

“An additional PHP12 billion was allocated by Congress to the Comelec. This is lodged under the regular operations line item of the agency,” she said.

Pangandaman added that the Comelec may use its budget for several activities, including the possible plebiscite for Charter Change.

“It is not for the purpose of Charter Change but may be used for various activities of the Comelec such as the preparation of national and local elections, overseas absentee voting, continuing registration, recall, special elections, referenda, and other initiatives. It is not intended specifically or solely to fund the proposed charter change,” she said.

“They have the discretion to use the said amount for a plebiscite if the government decides to pursue any change, or the people’s initiative pushes through,” Pangandaman added.

House appropriations committee chairperson Elizaldy Co earlier denied allegations that the Comelec was granted a PHP14-billion budget for 2024 to fund the push for Charter change. (PNA)