Senate to adopt House version of poll automation budget

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday said the chamber will adopt en toto the House version of the poll automation budget. Enrile told reporters they will pass the automation budget on second third reading today [Wednesday]. The House of Representatives on Monday night approved on third and final reading House Bill 5715 which provides for "an Automation Election System including the acquisition of services, supplies and machines on a lease with option to purchase agreement/contract." HB 5715, the measure allocating an P11.3-billion supplemental budget for election automation, was approved with 193 affirmatives votes, one negative vote, and one abstention. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV