BSKE SUPPORT. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Erwin Garcia (2nd from left) joins Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu (2nd from right) during the turnover ceremony of PHP10 million worth of election-related support funds on Thursday (Oct. 5, 2023). The PCG said it will use the fund to support the preparations and conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday granted PHP10 million worth of funds to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in preparation for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
At a press conference, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the fund will be used for the security and support operations of the PCG for the upcoming polls.
"Gumagamit sila ng resources, kapag kung saan tayo pumunta pinapahiram nila 'yung mga assets nila. Tapos laging libre, nasanay na tayo sa kakalibre, hindi naman pwedeng ganun (They're using their resources, wherever we are, they're lending us their assets. And then it's always free, we became so used to their free assistance, it shouldn't be that way)," he said.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the resources will be used where it is most needed.
"The Coast Guard assets are strategically deployed all over the country," he said.
"So kung saan hindi maaabot at walang means of transportation, conveyance for the ballots and election officers, nandiyan ang Coast Guard and handa tayong tumulong sa kanila nationwide (So, wherever it is unreachable or no means of transportation, conveyance for the ballots and election officers, the coast guard is there to help nationwide)," Abu added.
He said the PCG will be transparent in allocating the funds once determined by its finance controller or logistic officers.
Garcia underscored how crucial it is to be backed by the PCG, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"Napakahirap kapag ang kalaban mga pulitiko na may pera, may mga makinarya, tapos ang Commission on Elections ay di rin ganoon karami ang ating resources (It's so hard if politicians have the money and machinery, as opposed to the Commission on Elections that has limited resources)," he said.
With all security and logistics in place, Garcia expressed confidence in the orderly distribution and deployment of election paraphernalia across the country.
"In the next two weeks, inaasahan nating made-deliver na iyong mga (we are expecting to deliver) accountable forms, ballots, election returns, indelible inks, hanggang sa pinakadulo ng ating bansa (up to the farthest areas of our country)," he said.
Garcia added that the poll body is not expecting to encounter any issues with the deployment, distribution, and other logistic concerns even in disputed areas like Kalayaan Islands in Palawan.
The Comelec has started deploying official ballots and accountable forms for the BSKE, with the first batch bound for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Caraga Region.
Garcia said they have real-time monitoring of the delivery progress of these election paraphernalia using the tech platforms of police forces.
Abu, meanwhile, said the PCG is ready for all unforeseen events or scenarios.
"We are not seeing anything (bothersome) as of the moment. It's in order, everything is working well, but in case a problem arises, we will act accordingly," Abu said in mixed English and Filipino.
The PCG also vowed to help the Comelec, PNP, and AFP in areas classified under categories of concern.
As of Wednesday, 242 villages are listed under the red category; 1,257 under the orange category; and 1,077 under the yellow category.
To date, the PCG has 30,000 men and women ready to be deployed in all areas nationwide for the BSKE. (PNA)
