ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has conducted a series of roadshows in Western Visayas on the use of the automated counting machine (ACM) for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Among the recent demonstrations they have conducted were for the personnel of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas, which were held at Camp Martin Teofilo Delgado in Fort San Pedro, here.
“This is for them to familiarize themselves with the enhancements that the Commission will be introducing this coming May 12 (elections) as part of our voters’ education advocacy and information dissemination,” said COMELEC 6 Regional Election Director lawyer Dennis L. Ausan in an interview.
The COMELEC 6 chief also noted that through these roadshows, not just new features of the ACM are being discussed to the public but also some other initiatives that the Commission will be introducing, including the adjusted schedule for early voting and the first mall voting in the region.
“These will serve as our answer to the concerns during the previous elections nga ginpaabot sa aton sang mga stakeholders,” Ausan added.
For their part, PRO 6 director Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky acknowledged the significance of the activity as they are responsible for ensuring peace and order for the upcoming polls.
“As police officers, we have a critical role in keeping the election safe and secure for our fellow countrymen and to provide a peaceful avenue for them to exercise their right to suffrage,” Wanky said.
Meanwhile, the PCG District-Western Visayas, in a Facebook post, noted that the provision of the comprehensive understanding of the operation of the said machine will enable them to fully familiarize with the advanced technology to be used in the 2025 NLE.
Apart from the law enforcement agencies, COMELEC also facilitated the conduct of ACM demos and roadshows among barangays, the academe, media practitioners, and private sector organizations including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
According to Ausan, these activities will conclude on January 30, 2025. (AAL/FRG/PIA6/with reports from PRO6 and CGDWV)
