Construction of own building completed by 2028 – Comelec

ASIDE from holding the next presidential elections, 2028 will likely be a historic period for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as it could be the year when they inaugurate their own building.

Speaking at the sidelines of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Comelec building in Pasay City, chairman George Garcia yesterday said they are looking at 2028 when the poll body finally gets to have its own establishment.

“We will start now, and we shall work for its completion within three to four years. By 2028 (we hope to finish this). We believe that once we get the ball rolling, the construction will be continuous,” Garcia said.

He said the laying of the building’s foundation will be completed in five to six months, with the construction to follow immediately by 2025.

“It’s important to start the construction as it will justify our asking for additional budget. If we don’t start doing this, we will surely not be given the additional funds,” he said.

The Comelec has been given a budget of P8.225 billion to cover the foundation and building construction.

“We will need additional funding for the furnishing. Also, our budget was computed and approved back in 2019. Therefore, adjustments in the costings are necessary,” Garcia said.

The Comelec owns a three-hectare property located at the Central Business Park I – Island “A” in Pasay City.

After his appointment in 2022, Garcia said that one of his main priorities as poll chief is the construction of the Comelec’s own building.

“This will be the symbol of the Comelec’s desire to be a truly independent constitutional body,” Garcia reiterated yesterday.

Currently, Comelec is leasing the 1st, 5th, 7th, and 8th floors of the Palacio del Gobernador building in Intramuros, Manila where it holds its main office.