The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is very confident that the May 12 elections will be peaceful and smooth.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said he believes that Filipino voters will vote calmly and the elections will be peaceful. He explained, “We believe in our voters, and we expect the election to be quiet and smooth.”
The Voting Process Will Be Faster
Garcia also said that the voting process will be faster than before. The Comelec has already set up everything to make sure voting is quick, which will help announce the winners of the election sooner.
Don’t Believe Fake News
He also asked everyone to trust the election system and not believe fake news. Garcia said, “We need to trust the system and not believe in lies, especially those that spread false information and fake news.”
No More Big Campaign Materials
Garcia reminded all the candidates that after 12:01 a.m. on May 12, they must take down their big campaign posters, especially those on highways. He said that these posters are no longer allowed after that time, and the candidates should follow the rules.
No Campaigning Allowed on May 11
He also mentioned that candidates are not allowed to campaign on May 11, the day before the election. Campaigning on social media is also not allowed.
Taking Action Against Violators
Garcia talked about how the Task Force Baklas has already filed more than 50 complaints against candidates who didn’t remove their campaign posters on time. He promised that they will keep filing cases against candidates who break the rules.
Fighting Vote Buying Together
Garcia also warned about vote buying, where someone offers money or gifts in exchange for a vote. He said it is important for voters to not let vote buying happen. He explained, “We voters have a responsibility to stop vote buying. No one can buy a vote if no one is selling one.”
He also reminded everyone that offering free rides or meals could also be a form of vote buying, so voters should be careful.
No Need to Vote for Everything
Garcia also explained that undervoting (when you don’t vote for every position on the ballot) will not hurt your vote. He said, “It’s okay to leave some parts of the ballot blank, but make sure you don’t vote for more than what is allowed.”
Election Day Details
Election Day will be on Monday, May 12. Polls will open at 5 a.m. to let senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters vote early until 7 a.m. Regular voting hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This election is an important event, and the Comelec is doing everything it can to make sure it’s fair and peaceful. Let’s all follow the rules and help make sure it goes smoothly!
