Comelec in final stage of preps for May 12 polls

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

The campaign period for local candidates will start March 28. All campaign activities end May 10. (Arianne Lacanilao/PCI Photo)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is nearly finished with its preparations for the May 12 national and local elections (NLE).

Chairperson George Garcia said in a radio interview Saturday that Comelec is “about 90 to 95 percent prepared” while Board of Election Inspectors’ members are undergoing training.

“We are ready for the ballots. We are just verifying them. The VIS (Voter’s Information Sheet) will be finished printing on March 25,” he said.

“Our teachers are still undergoing training. Our countrymen can enroll in internet voting. We already have a link for that so you can vote.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have deployed security forces to different parts of the country, Garcia added.

He urged the public to report NLE candidates who are violating Comelec rules, such as vote buying and posting campaign materials in unauthorized places.

“Just send us the picture. Even if you don’t file a formal complaint, we will investigate and file a case ourselves,” he said.

He advised candidates to monitor their opponents who might take advantage and pin the blame on them.

“You can immediately complain to us and we will also disqualify them,” he said.

The campaign period for local candidates will start March 28. All campaign activities end May 10.