House Bill 6116, filed by Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas, who said the government cannot afford to spend a huge amount of money less than six months after the mid-term congressional and local elections last May 14.

Gullas said the barangay and SK elections will cost anywhere from P2.8 billion to P3.3 billion. Only P2 billion is earmarked under the 2007 national budget.

Pimentel however said money should not be made as an excuse to postpone the elections.

“In the first place, the Arroyo government keeps on saying that the inflow of government revenues has substantially improved due to the implementation oftax reforms,” he said.

He said the Commission on Elections should make do with the P2 billion funding and adopt measures to minimize the cost of the political exercise. Local government unitscolluding with "fixers," will merit dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service.

"Fixers" face a maximum of six years’ imprisonment or a fine of R200,000.

The law takes into effect 15 days following its publication in two national newspapers. Those performing judicial, quasi-judicial, and legislative functions are excluded from the coverage of this Act.

The CSC, in coordination with the DAP, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, shall promulgate the rules and regulations within 90 days from effectivity of the law.