All systems go for the May 14 polls
MANILA -- One week before the May 14 mid-term elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and accredited poll watching bodies on Monday said that it is all systems go for the conduct of clean and honest elections.
The poll body, along with the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said they are ready to act on anything irregular or suspicious during the upcoming elections.
In a weekly forum at the Sulo Hotel, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said they have already distributed non-accountable paraphernalia to the local precincts.
"The non-accountable paraphernalia include pens, paper and other materials," Jimenez said.
He added that the accountable paraphernalia like the ballot boxes will be sent a few days before the polls. Meanwhile, their personnel have already been briefed on their duties.
The Comelec also prepared for possible power blackouts in the precincts by installing stand-by generators nearby.
"As for the current situation in Bicol region, the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) has told us that the power will be returned two days before the elections," he said.
Jimenez added that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have also been briefed on what they are going to do. "We have ordered that every candidate be catered by only two bodyguards to prevent any election-related violence," he said.
PNP spokesman Rico Hermoso said that they are maximizing every available personnel to help in keeping order for the polls. "We have also requested the assistance of the AFP in adding more personnel in ensuring peace and order," Hermoso added.
Dr. Ricardo Ledesma of the PPCRV also announced their readiness for the elections. He said that they have began voter education and will be helping in the poll watch. "The PPCRV will do its own independent counting and will be ready for transparency with other agencies anytime," Ledesma said.
"More than a million people nationwide have already volunteered to be poll watchers for the elections," he added.
Chairman Damaso Magbual also commented on the preparedness of Namfrel regarding the upcoming polls. "We are currently using the same manpower of the PPCRV and we will also be synchronizing with that agency's independent count to produce a more accurate result," Magbual said.
"We will take over on what the PPCRV will leave behind," he added.
(PNA)