ILOILO City – With just days remaining before the May 12 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo City has announced its schedule for the crucial final testing and sealing (FTS) of automated counting machines (ACMs).
This process is designed to ensure that the election system is fully functional and secure ahead of Election Day.
The FTS will be conducted in two sessions. The first is set for May 5 at 9 a.m. at the Festive Walk Mall, covering three clustered precincts in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao District.
The second session will follow on May 7 at 9 a.m., which will include 414 clustered precincts spread across 65 voting centers throughout the city.
During the FTS, Electoral Board members will test the accuracy and functionality of each vote counting machine by feeding test ballots into them. This ensures that the machines are accurately reading and counting votes.
Once the testing is successfully completed, the machines will be sealed to guarantee their security and prevent tampering until Election Day.
In an effort to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence, Comelec-Iloilo City is inviting all candidates, political parties, coalitions, and accredited citizens’ groups to send representatives or watchers to observe the proceedings.
According to Election Officer IV, Atty. Pinky Jevini Tentativa, the FTS is a vital safeguard in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process./PN
