The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) vowed Wednesday to prioritize the shipment of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) units and ballots for the upcoming 12 May elections. The shipments will receive priority status at all ports under PPA jurisdiction.

“The public can count on the full support of the PPA to the Comelec for the 2025 elections. Possible support provided by the PPA includes: provision of port access and priority loading/unloading for election cargo, and liaising with shipping lines and port terminal operators to ensure the smooth and timely loading and unloading of equipment,” said Eunice Samonte, spokesperson of the PPA.

Further, she said the PPA will provide logistical coordination and assistance to the Comelec, as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, especially in islands and remote areas.

The PPA will also place personnel on standby to respond in case of malfunction or emergency at the port and will ensure the security of cargo under the PPA's mandate to maintain safe and efficient port operations.

On Tuesday, the Comelec said it started the first shipment of official ballots bound for the National Capital Region.

1 million voters flocking ports

Meanwhile, the PPA said it is anticipating a surge in port passengers during the national and local election period from 9 to 13 May 2025, with an estimated 1.155 million travelers expected to pass through major ports nationwide.

This forecast reflects a 5 percent increase from the 1,100,227 passengers recorded during the 2022 election period.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago assured the public of the agency’s full readiness during this critical travel window.

“We are implementing full manning of personnel from port operations and port security units handling frontline services. We are also strengthening coordination with the Coast Guard, law enforcement, and shipping lines to ensure our ports remain safe, secure, and passenger-friendly,” he said.

At the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon, the PPA Port Management Office (PMO) in Bicol has already recorded a notable increase in passenger traffic ahead of the election period.

Hence, as early as 2 May 2025, PMO Bicol already sent a letter of request to the Maritime Industry Authority for additional ships due to the influx of passengers during this election period.

On regular days, the port averages around 2,000 passengers daily, but from 3 to 5 May 2025, the port has already recorded an even higher average of over 8,500 passengers per day.

The PPA-PMO Bicol said the election season consistently marks the highest volume of both passengers and rolling cargoes, prompting the enhanced deployment of personnel and the implementation of stricter traffic and crowd management measures to ensure smooth and orderly port operations.

Moreover, Santiago said PPA personnel and security forces will be on full alert during the election period, with Malasakit Help Desks, medical teams, and sanitation crews strategically deployed to ensure safe and comfortable travel for the riding public.