WITH only three days before Election Day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, May 9, 2025, declared its readiness to hold the national and local polls on Monday, May 12.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are all set to conduct the elections in all the voting centers and polling precincts across the country.
"The Comelec is fully prepared for the coming elections," said Garcia.
Proof of this, he said, is the completion of the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the automated counting machines (ACMs) in all the polling precincts.
He noted how only minor issues attended the FTS, particularly administrative matters.
"It's the first time we had an FTS that wasn't problematic. It was so successful as were able to seal all machines after they are tested," said Garcia.
He also said they are prepared for any potential problems that may arise come Election Day.
"What is most important is that our contingency measures are intact and we know what to do in such instances," said Garcia.
The poll chief said they are also closely monitoring possible peace order issues that may arise.
"So far, we aren't monitoring any untoward incident as of the moment," said Garcia.
Campaign, liquor ban
The Comelec chief also reminded all national and local candidates that campaigning is already prohibited by Sunday as well as on Election Day.
Garcia said they are advising all candidates to start taking down their campaign materials, especially huge tarpaulins on the streets.
"We cannot prevent your political opponents from filing charges against you because the presence of tarpaulins can still be considered as campaign materials," he said.
Garcia said they will also closely monitor vote-buying and vote-selling activities in the days leading to the elections.
"On Saturday until the early hours of Monday, that's when massive vote-buying activities happen," he said.
Garcia, meanwhile, reminded the public that the liquor ban will already be in effect on Sunday.
Under the law, selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking of intoxicating liquor shall be prohibited starting the eve of the Election Day.
"Don't drink alcohol during these days as it is prohibited. If you can't help it, just do it at home," said Garcia. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)