417 Vote-Counting Machines Arrive in Iloilo for May 12 Polls

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A total of 417 Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) have arrived in Iloilo City in preparation for the May 12 national and local elections.

The machines, now secured at the Comelec hub in Jubilee Hall, will serve 417 clustered precincts.

Also delivered were 215 battery units and 58 additional ACMs for contingency in case of technical issues, all transported by F2 Logistics.

Police personnel have been deployed to guard the machines around the clock to ensure their integrity and safety until election day.

Distribution of the machines to various polling centers will begin on May 6.

Final testing and sealing (FTS) activities will start on May 5 at 9 a.m. at Festive Walk Mall for three clustered precincts in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The remaining 414 clustered precincts in 65 voting centers across the city will conduct FTS on May 7, also starting at 9 a.m.

During the FTS, members of the electoral boards will test the accuracy and functionality of the machines.

If no issues are found, the units will be sealed and prepared for deployment on election day.

Comelec is encouraging public participation in the process through a mock election, where 10 individuals will be selected to simulate the voting procedure.

The commission has also invited all candidates, political parties, coalitions and accredited citizens’ arms to send representatives or watchers to observe the proceedings and ensure transparency.

With less than two weeks before the polls, Comelec Iloilo City reports that preparations are already 95 percent complete.

Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno said they are only waiting for the arrival of the official ballots, expected to be delivered within the coming week.