MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections is not bothered about the outcome of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, the impeachment against Duterte would only have a political impact, as far as Comelec is concerned.
“It has no effect on Comelec and is not related to election preparations,” Garcia said yesterday.
The poll chief also noted that Comelec would not restrict the media exposure of reelectionist senators who will take part in the impeachment trial.
“As long as the personality or sitting official becomes part of the news, that is not included in the time allocation for candidates. News is different from self-promotion,” Garcia explained.
“If they become part of the news, it must not be taken against them because (that) will violate freedom of the press,” he added.
Overseas voting
Meanwhile, registered Filipino voters in 16 locations abroad will be using automated counting machines (ACMs) to cast their votes for the May 2025 midterm polls.
The final specific modes of overseas voting released by Comelec showed that 16 Philippine embassies and Philippine consulates general will use ACMs because the host countries did not allow internet voting.
Listed among locations using ACMs are Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xiamen in China; Dili in Timor Leste; Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea; Yangon in Myanmar; Ankara and Istanbul in Turkiye; Moscow in Russia; Abuja in Nigeria; Beirut in Lebanon; Damascus in Syria; Tehran in Iran, and Tripoli in Libya.
The ACMs shall be utilized either by personal or postal mode of voting, according to the poll body. To encourage voting, Garcia urged Filipinos in the 16 areas mentioned not to be intimidated by the ACMs.
“Our ACM units are easy to use. Don’t fail to vote. Voting experience is enhanced,” he noted.
While 16 posts will utilize ACMs, 77 posts abroad will be using the online voting and counting system to be provided by the Joint Venture of SMS Global Technologies Inc. & Sequent Tech Inc.
Garcia also asked Filipinos to avail themselves of the OVCS, which Comelec will be using for the first time.
“Try to have a test voting experience online to familiarize yourselves with this easy process,” he added.
There are 1.180 million registered Filipino voters who could avail of internet voting during the overseas voting period from April 13 up to May 12, 2025.
DOE sets up task force
As the official campaign period begins next week, the Department of Energy (DOE) has activated a task force to prevent any power-related disruptions throughout the 2025 midterm election season.
The Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) will closely coordinate with Comelec and the Department of National Defense (DND), ensuring energy resiliency before, during and after the electoral process.
“Ensuring uninterrupted power during elections is crucial to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining public confidence,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the DOE, the task force is set to operate a centralized energy command hub to monitor and address possible power issues that may arise throughout the election period.
ETFE members are also directed to implement proactive measures, including thorough inspections of key facilities and canvassing centers to identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities.
To strengthen preparedness, the task force will work with distribution utilities, electric cooperatives and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to ensure swift response as well as secure critical backup energy resources.
The campaign period for candidates for senators and party-list groups is set to kick off on Feb. 11, while that for candidates for House of Representatives, provincial, city and municipal posts is on March 28. – Brix Lelis