Various agencies deputized for poll precinct site survey

CEBU, Philippines - Various national government agencies have been deputized by the Commission on Elections for the voting centers site survey in connection with the transmission of election results for the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.

In Resolution No. 8675, promulgated September 23, 2009, Comelec deputized the Department of Education, the Telecommunications Office, the Philippine Postal Corporation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the conduct of the voting centers site survey.

The Comelec said there is a need to conduct voting centers site survey “to ensure the effective and uninterrupted transmission of election results from the polling place to the canvassing centers for the May 10, 2010 National and Local Elections”.

The poll body said that they will be also using the services of the AFP and the PNP to assist in the conduct of the survey by providing security and/or providing additional personnel.

Likewise, Comelec also deputized DepEd to assist in facilitating the survey in schools that will be used as voting centers in the elections.

Comelec has requested the concurrence of President Gloria Arroyo for the deputation of the AFP and the PNP. Under Section 2, (4) C, Article IX, of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, such a deputation requires the concurrence of the president.

Comelec has also fixed the deadline for the filing of petitions and requests for transfer of polling places to November 30.

Section 153 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that no location of polling places shall be changed within 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election, referendum or plebiscite except in case it is destroyed or it cannot be used.

“No request/petition for transfer of polling place shall be entertained after the deadline except in case the existing polling place is destroyed or it can not be used,” Comelec ruled in a Resolution 8676 promulgated last Sept. 23. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)