The Philippine government will save at least P13-billion in public funds if the plebiscite for Charter change will be synchronized with the 2025 midterm elections, which can then be used to support social welfare services, according to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“We welcome the statement made by Commission on Election (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia that the poll body is amenable to holding a plebiscite on Charter Change amendments together with the 2025 midterm elections,” Zubiri said on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Zubiri noted that the Comelec statement is consistent with what President Marcos also told senators and the media. “And this strategic move not only streamlines our electoral processes, but also saves valuable resources,” the Senate President said.
Zubiri said he agrees with the position of the Comelec. With limited resources and competing priorities, he stressed it is imperative that we maximize every peso spent to address the most pressing needs of our citizens, and it also aligns with the vision of the President for the country.
He noted that P13 billion is a significant amount that could be allocated towards critical infrastructure projects and social programs that will benefit our nation. This amount, he said, could potentially fund the construction of around 5,200 classrooms.
Alternatively, he said it could be allocated to various other programs aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos, such as poverty alleviation initiatives, agricultural development projects or infrastructure improvements in rural areas.