MORE NEWS, PAMPANGA

Melo: Comelec won’t seek recall poll funds from DBM
By George Trillo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – As constituents filed the recall petition against Gov. Eddie Panlilio here last week, Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo said his agency does not have funds for recall elections.

“Even if we decide favorably for a recall election, we don’t have the money for that. I don’t know how we can hold a recall election,” Melo said.

Melo added the Comelec does not intend to request any funding from the Department of Budget and Management for such elections.

He said seeking funding from the DBM would wrongly hint that the Arroyo administration is supporting the recall move against Panlilio, who defeated two pro-administration candidates – former governor Mark Lapid and provincial board member Lilia Pineda – in last year’s polls. Panlilio ran as an independent candidate.

“The DBM is basically Malacañang because it’s under Malacañang. And I don’t think Malacañang would want the people to think that it’s supporting a recall election by giving a budget for it,” he said.

At present, Melo said there cannot be a quorum in the Comelec as five commissioners are abroad.

According to law, no recall elections can be held by May 11 next year, or one year before the next elections.

Melo bared this during the inauguration of five classrooms at the Mabalacat National College last week.

The classrooms were funded by Fontana Leisure Resorts where Melo used to be an officer.

Melo said some P40 million would be needed for the special gubernatorial election in Pampanga.

“That’s a lot of money and we still have to prepare for the automation of the 2010 polls). But I think the residents are willing to shoulder the expenses for the recall election. I don’t know,” he said.

Earlier, Comelec provincial supervisor Temmie Lambino said the special poll might need some P24 million.

Melo, however, said the Pampanga provincial government may provide funds for the special election.