With over 68 million ballots successfully printed for the 12 May 2025, national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is set to begin their distribution starting the second week of April.
Before deployment, all printed ballots will undergo a verification process, which is expected to be completed by 20-21 April. According to COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia, the distribution will prioritize distant locations before reaching areas closer to election hubs.
Meanwhile, election paraphernalia and other essential materials have already been shipped to designated hubs in preparation for the polls.
"As we promised, there will be no problems with ballot availability for May 12. We have fulfilled that commitment as of yesterday," Garcia said in Filipino in an interview with dzBB on Sunday.
Alongside the ballot distribution, COMELEC will also roll out voter’s information sheets across the country from 1-30 April. These sheets will contain essential details, including the voter’s name, assigned polling place, precinct number, voting guidelines, and the official list of national and local candidates.
Additionally, the election body plans to activate the precinct finder tool two weeks before the elections. This online tool will allow voters to verify their designated polling locations ahead of time, making the voting process more efficient.
Guidelines for candidates with legal cases
Chairperson Garcia also addressed concerns regarding candidates facing legal issues, including those who are incarcerated or on trial, both domestically and internationally.
"They can run [as candidates]. As long as there is no final conviction, a person can run due to the presumption of innocence... If they win, they will be proclaimed," he explained.
For candidates detained abroad or facing trial overseas, Garcia acknowledged that this remains a grey area in election law. After election results and proclamations, COMELEC will no longer have jurisdiction, and the matter will fall under the authority of other agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to determine whether a permanent or temporary vacancy will be created in case the elected official is unable to assume office.
Regarding the candidacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Garcia clarified that a candidate does not need to be physically present during the proclamation.
Unless a final conviction is issued, they may still be proclaimed and officially recognized as an elected official.
