Artist’s perspective of the new Commission on Elections building in Pasay City (Photo courtesy of Pasay City Mayor Rubiano)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping to inaugurate its own main office in Pasay City by 2028.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the laying of the building's foundation will be completed in a maximum six months while the construction will begin next year.
The PHP8.225 billion budget will cover the construction of the foundation and the nine-story building, which will have offices, warehouses, training facilities, event venues and even dormitories for employees.
"Pipilitin natin na matapos sa loob ng tatlo hanggang apat na taon. Ito ay alay hindi lang sa mga kawani at opisyal ng Comelec kundi sa sambayanang Pilipino. Sa 2028 matatapos ang construction. Naniniwala tayo, basta masimulan, magtutuloy-tuloy na po ‘yan (We would try our best to finish it within three to four years. This is not just a gift for Comelec employees and officials but to the people. The construction would be done by 2028. We believe that once we start, the construction will be continuous)," Garcia said on the sidelines of the groundbreaking of the new building in Pasay City on Monday.
Garcia said additional funding may be needed for furnishing since the budget was computed and approved in 2019.
“Adjustments in the costings are necessary," he said.
The building will rise on a three-hectare property at the Central Business Park I - Island “A” in Harbor Drive.
Currently, the poll body’s main office occupies the 1st, 5th, 7th and 8th floors of the Palacio del Gobernador building in Intramuros, Manila. (PNA)
