The Comelec, now led by Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos Sr., had its statutory birth in 1940 with the approval of Commonwealth Act No. 607. Before its birth, supervision over election matters was vested in the Department of Interior. The National Assembly moved for the passage of CA No. 607 in time for the national elections in December, 1940.
But although today’s rites will be simple, the morale of Comelec officials and employees is expected to be boosted by the P7,000 anniversary bonus that each of them will receive. Of the P7,000 bonus, P2,000 is scheduled to be given today while the remaining P5,000 will be given during their Christmas party.
The P7,000 anniversary bonus for each of the Comelec personnel is short by P3,000 of the P10,000 that they asked from the Comelec en banc through their Executive Director Jose Pio Joson, who said that traditionally, a one month salary anniversary bonus is given to all personnel.
Joson admitted that Comelec personnel are experiencing financial difficulties amid the current political environment.
"Cognizant of the low morale of our personnel due to their (difficulties in making) both ends meet daily, the benevolent gesture of financial benefit from the Commission will be most timely,’’ Joson said. "The bonus will serve as rewards for their faithful, honest and dedicated public service, and in the attainment of honest, orderly and credible elections.’’
Comelec Planning Department Director Esmeralda A. Ladra and Finance Services Director Eduardo D. Mejos certified that the funds for the anniversary bonus are available. They said the funds could be augmented by the savings made by the Comelec.
Four commissioners — Mehol K. Sadain, Romeo A. Brawner, and Florentino A. Tuason Jr. — readily approved the request for anniversary bonus equivalent to one month salary but not lower than P10,000. Abalos and Commissioner Resurreccion Z. Borra — who were abroad to monitor the presidential elections in Sri Lanka and India, respectively – were not able to vote on the appeal.
Abalos headed the International Observer Mission in Sri Lanka last Nov. 17. He was invited by the Association of Asian Election Authorities composed of 14 countries, including the Philippines.
Borra was invited by the government of India to monitor the elections there.
While Abalos and Borra were abroad, Tuason was designated by the Comelec en banc as the officer-incharge.
Upon his return, Abalos announced Wednesday that the Comelec en banc could not grant the employees’ bonus request in full due to lack of funds.
