Palace asks Comelec to probe overpriced ballot folders

Malacañang on Tuesday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct an investigation into the overpriced ballot secrecy folders that will be used in the May 10 polls. Radio dzMM quoted deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan as saying that while Comelec is a separate constitutional body, the administration has an obligation to ensure the integrity of the forthcoming polls. “It’s [the] obligation of course of the administration to ensure that we are updated and…to see to it that we guard not only the usage of public funds but at the same time maintain the integrity of the forthcoming electoral exercises," Peyuan said in the radio report. Peyuan made the call after it was revealed last Sunday that the poll body nearly bought the ballot folders at an overpriced rate of P380 each. (See: Pimentel: Comelec bought ballot folders for P380 each) The Comelec, for its part, has already canceled the awarding of the P690-million contract for the supply and delivery of the folders. (See: Comelec cancels P690-M contract for ballot folders) The poll body said that, after a "re-deliberation," they discovered that the purchase price of P380 per ballot secrecy folder is "extravagant beyond the ordinary needs of the Commission," prompting Comelec chairman Jose Melo to refuse the signing of the purchase order. Aside from the problem with the price, the poll body also said that the number of folders recommended for purchase exceeded the total number needed for the elections.—Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV