CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Central Luzon assured the public that it has contingency plans ready to address any issues that may arise during the 2025 midterm elections.
During the 23rd episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, COMELEC Regional Election Attorney Numer Lobo highlighted that the commission has developed backup plans to manage emergencies or unexpected situations, particularly on election day.
“We have consistently maintained contingency plans across numerous elections. Although circumstances may change, our commitment to effective implementation remains constant,” Lobo stated.
Lobo also outlined several challenges involved in the election process, including the safety of COMELEC personnel, logistics and security of the automated counting machines, issues related to vote-buying and vote-selling, training of electoral boards, intense political rivalries, election hotspots, illegal campaign materials, and force majeure events.
“These challenges are often revisited after each election. Yet, despite these obstacles, we have consistently conducted peaceful elections in Region 3,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Lobo detailed COMELEC’s key initiatives, which include establishing effective communication channels for monitoring and reporting during the election period, coordinating with law enforcement, setting up a monitoring system to detect security irregularities, deploying COMELEC checkpoints in strategic areas, assessing and identifying election hotspots, conducting comprehensive voter education campaigns, ensuring security preparedness, protecting election observers’ independence and security, and safeguarding media freedoms.
“One of our key initiatives is to increase our manpower, if possible, to meet the needs of our offices in the region during the election period. We are also working closely with local government units to secure additional support, which will aid in our preparations,” he added.
As the election date approaches, COMELEC remains committed to ensuring a fair and orderly electoral process, urging all stakeholders to participate actively and responsibly in the upcoming midterm elections.
The commission encourages voters to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities to foster a democratic and transparent election. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
