Comelec-6 Declares 100% Readiness for May 12 Polls

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 6 has declared full preparedness for the May 12 midterm elections, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

During the fourth and final Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center (RJSCC) meeting on April 11, Comelec-6 announced it is 100 percent ready.

“So far, walang delay sa preparations based on our timeline,” said Atty. Dennis Ausan, regional election director of Comelec-6.

“If we base it on our current schedule, a month before election day, we are right on track.”

Ausan said their preparations go beyond security coordination and include all operational aspects of the polls.

He confirmed that the final training for poll workers has been completed.

This includes not only the teachers serving on the electoral boards, but also the electoral board (EB) support staff and technical teams.

The training of all members of the boards of canvassers has also been completed.

When asked about potential challenges, Ausan said concerns now are mostly administrative.

“It’s about synchronizing schedules, especially deployment timelines, since we’ve only discussed projected dispatch schedules,” he said.

He cited coordination with municipal treasurers on official ballots and scheduling with the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard for security deployment as key logistical concerns.

“In as much as we want a seamless operation, there are always things to consider,” he added.

Ausan said the team has already tackled several issues during the RJSCC meeting, including the deployment of vote-counting machines, transmission devices, and official ballots.

“For now, there’s nothing so earthshaking in terms of challenges,” he said.

“These are mostly administrative matters at this point.”

He emphasized that, as of now, Comelec-6 is on track with its schedule.

“We’re 100 percent ready as of today, and I hope we won’t encounter delays as we approach D-day on May 12,” he said.