BAGUIO, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is almost ready for the May 12 national and local elections, Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia said in Baguio City on Sunday, February 23, adding that ballot printing remains on track despite delays caused by court-issued restraining orders on some candidates.
“So far, we are 95% ready with our preparations. We are on schedule in different aspects of our preparation,” Garcia said.
He said about 45 million of tover 70 million ballots have been printed as of Sunday, and the remainder is expected to be completed by March 19.
Garcia said the ballot verification will take place between April 10 and 20, with the Comelec prioritizing printing for remote areas to ensure early deployment by the end of March.
Election paraphernalia and voting machines are also being prepared, while training for Department of Education supervisors and school principals has been completed.
Garcia said the electoral board training will commence next week.
Voter education
The Comelec used the Panagbenga Festival as a platform to promote voter education and encourage participation in Baguio.
During the float parade, the commission showcased its advocacy campaign, “One Ballot, Juan Vote” to emphasize the importance of the role of citizens in shaping the country’s future.
Garcia urged the public to vote wisely, reminding them that their choices would have long-term consequences.
“The Comelec is here to ensure that your votes will be counted and the rightful winners will be proclaimed,” he said.
Survey crackdown
At the same time, Garcia said that the Comelec will start cracking down on unregulated surveys seen to influence public perception ahead of the 2025 elections.
Garcia has announced the creation of Task Force Respect, which will investigate the methodologies and credibility of survey groups operating both online and on the ground.
Speaking to Baguio reporters after the Panagbenga parade, Garcia raised concerns over the proliferation of surveys with unclear methodologies.
“We do not know the basis and processes these survey groups use,” he said, adding that while some firms are registered with Comelec, many operate without oversight.
“Registered survey groups with Comelec will surely welcome this because it will determine their credibility compared to unregistered ones,” he added.
The task force, he said, will assess how survey results are reached and whether certain groups are paid to favor specific candidates.
Garcia said the goal is to eliminate unreliable surveys that mislead voters.
“This is also to drive out useless surveys,” he added. – Rappler.com