The Department of Budget and Management on Monday has announced the release of P4.14 billion to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), to support preparatory activities for the synchronized national, local and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections this 2013.

The release was charged against savings from unutilized appropriations under the 2012 General Appropriations Act.

“We augmented the Comelec’s budget to enable them to make the necessary preparations for this year’s elections. The additional fund support will ensure that pre-election activities are accomplished according to schedule and with the utmost efficiency,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.

Of the release, P1.54 billion will be used to cover expenses for synchronized national and local elections, while P755.08 million will support activities related to the purchase of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, such as the development of collateral, software support and maintenance and training and seminar expenses, he added.

Other items under the release include P100.9 million, which will be set aside for Overseas Absentee Voting requirements.

Abad also confirmed that the P4.14 billion will be used only for activities related to the 2013 elections and that all unused funds under the release will not be available for obligation at the end of the year.