Lawyer Francisco G. Pobe (center), regional director of Comelec 7, discussing their efforts in ensuring a fast, secure, and transparent electoral process for the May 2025 elections. (PIA7)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 highlighted the new automated vote-counting machines for the 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections, aiming to enhance the speed, transparency, and security of the electoral process.
Lawyer Francisco G. Pobe, Comelec 7 regional director, announced during the Kapihan sa PIA on Feb. 5 that the new machines are part of the commission’s efforts to improve the election system.
“This is the first nga wala na nato gamita ang katong gipasanginlan nga provider nga nagconduct ug election sauna nga atong gigamit kundi karon bag-o na atong makina for 2025. Ang usa natong gipangita nila nga kanang bag-o karon nga mga makina taas na kaayo ug features nga ang atong mga kaigsoonan makaingun nga kani jud diay makita nato nga ang piniliay namo matinud-anon ug wa gyuy rason nga dili pami motuo sa gihimo sa Comelec,” said Pobe.
(We have updated the machines we will use in 2025. This is the first time we are no longer using the previous provider that we used in the past elections. Instead, we now have a new system with advanced features, ensuring that the voting process is more credible and transparent).
As part of its voter education campaign, Comelec 7 is actively working to familiarize the public with the new vote-counting machines.
To reach remote communities, the commission conducted an Automated Counting Machine Caravan Roadshow from Dec. 2, 2024 to Jan. 30, 2025, providing demonstrations on the new vote-counting machines.
Pobe also announced the introduction of early voting on election day, a first in the country’s electoral process, to accommodate vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
“Ang early voting buot pasabot ang regular voting 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. man, naa ta’y alas 5:00 a.m. hangtod sa alas 7:00 a.m. intended ra jud ni siya sa mga PWD, senior citizens, pregnant women ug physically disabled para dili sila madistorbo pagbotar ana kay sayo paman sa kaadlawn,” Pobe explained.
(For the 2025 elections, we are emphasizing early voting. Regular voting runs from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. but we have set 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. exclusively for PWDs, senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
This ensures they can vote comfortably and without disruptions early in the morning).
The Comelec official added that “Oplan Baklas” will be launched on Feb. 13 and 14 to remove illegally placed campaign materials.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with various government agencies, including the Prosecutor’s Office, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Public Works and Highways.
Candidates and supporters are reminded that posting election materials on government buildings, national highways, churches, markets, public plazas, plants, trees, electric posts, parks, schools, and other restricted public areas is strictly prohibited.
Violators may face penalties under Section 3 of Republic Act 3571, including imprisonment of one to six years, disqualification from holding public office, and loss of voting rights.
Comelec will issue notices instructing candidates and political parties to relocate their campaign materials to designated areas.
Under Republic Act 9006, also known as the Fair Election Act, and existing Comelec resolutions, campaign posters must follow size restrictions, allowing only short or long bond paper dimensions or 2×3-foot tarpaulins. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)
