The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ignited the countdown to Eleksyon 2025 by kicking off the critical final testing and sealing (FTS) of automated counting machines (ACMs) this Friday. The spotlight was on Pateros Elementary School, where Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia personally led the FTS at a key polling precinct.
Pateros Elementary is among the first precincts to undergo this essential process, slated to run from May 2 to May 7. Garcia revealed a strategic move: “May mga lugar na nagkaisa na centralized FTS in the presence of everyone.” Some Comelec offices are now uniting to hold centralized FTS ceremonies, adding transparency and trust to the preparations.
The FTS involves electoral board members rigorously testing every step of the ACMs’ functions, from initialization to actual voting. To ensure accuracy, ten voters will cast ballots using the machines. Their votes will then be manually counted and cross-checked against the ACM results, putting the system through a thorough reliability check.
Once tested and verified, the machines will be securely sealed and stored under tight watch at the Department of Education Supervisor Official’s (DESO) office. Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police personnel will stand guard until election day on May 12, safeguarding the integrity of the machines.
Nationwide, at least 110,000 ACMs have been distributed in preparation for the midterm elections. Comelec is racing to complete delivery of all machines by May 1, ensuring every precinct is set for a smooth, secure voting experience.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth Eleksyon 2025 coverage as the nation gears up for one of the most important elections in recent history.