Comelec assures public of smooth election process

Comelec chairman George Garcia said they believe that a convenient voting process will be anticipated on the election day due to their thorough preparation to ensure every step will be done smoothly on 12 May, Monday.

In an interview with DZBB, Garcia said they have high hopes for the election day to be peaceful for everyone. "Mabilis tayong makakatapos dito (botohan) dahil medyo na-setup na natin ang mabilis na sistema at proseso para masigurado na [magiging] mabilis din ang pagproklama nation."

(“We’ll be able to finish the voting quickly because we’ve already set up a streamlined system and process to ensure that the proclamation will also be swift.”)

He also warns the public of believing in any false information that are resurfacing online regarding the agency's preparation and anomalies that may occur before and during the election. "Paniwalaan lang natin ang sistema at proseso," he added.

("Let’s just trust the system and the process.")

He also said they will be strict regarding the campaign materials installed. They will reach out to the candidates to have their posters and tarpaulins to be removed immediately starting on Saturday. "Kahapon, nag-file ng mahigit 50 kaso ang Task Force Baklas laban sa mga hindi talaga sumunod sa pakiusap nating magtanggal (ng illegal campaign materials)," he shared.

("Yesterday, Task Force Baklas filed more than 50 cases against those who really did not comply with our request to remove (illegal campaign materials).")

They will also prohibit any sort of campaigning regardless of platform.

He also explained that winning a position does not exempt candidates from being held accountable for election offenses or criminal charges. "Manalo, matalo, nandiyan pa rin ang mga kasong 'yan," he clarified.

("Win or lose, those cases will still be there.")

He said that voters still hold more of the responsibility to oppose vote buying. "Walang makakapamili [ng boto] kung walang magbebenta."

("No one can buy votes if no one is willing to sell them.")

He also addressed the issue of undervoting which according to him, some voters think it will prevent from voting manipulation. "Hindi totoo 'yan. 'Yan ay kasinungalingan. Kahit kulang ang boto, basta 'wag lang sosobra, pwede 'yan... Mabibilang at mabibilang ang boto," he said.

("That's not true. That's a lie. Even if the votes are incomplete, as long as they’re not excessive, it's acceptable... The votes will still be counted.")