Comelec takes ACM Roadshows to IP communities
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
AS the May 12, 2025, midterm elections approach, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional office in Bicol has intensified its voters’ education campaign, bringing automated counting machine (ACM) roadshows to schools, malls, local government units, and far-flung communities across the region.
On Saturday, Comelec employees led by Regional Director Maria Juana Valeza conducted an ACM roadshow and voters’ education campaign for Indigenous People (IP) communities in Barangay Lourdes, Polangui, Albay. Addressing the Agta-Tabangnon tribe, Valeza emphasized the importance of rejecting vote-buying and choosing politicians who genuinely serve the community.
“Don’t sell your votes. Politicians who offer money expect something in return. The money they give is not from their own pockets but from our taxes,” Valeza explained, urging the community to vote for leaders who prioritize their welfare even outside the election period.
She highlighted the vulnerability of IP communities to exploitation, making them a priority for Comelec's education efforts. “These communities are prone to abuse and vote-buying. That’s why we are bringing ACM roadshows to them, so they understand the importance of their votes,” Valeza told Bicol Mail.
Last week, a similar roadshow was conducted in Paracale, Camarines Norte, for the Manide tribe, where participants experienced mock voting using the new ACMs. Lawyer Annie Romero-Cortez, Comelec Bicol assistant regional director, supervised the event alongside the Philippine National Police.
The two-month roadshow campaign, which began in December, will cover all 3,471 barangays in Bicol. The commission has deployed 150 ACMs for demonstrations and will utilize over 5,000 machines in the 2025 elections.
Each ACM features a 14-inch touchscreen, a privacy screen, faster scanning capabilities, receipt-cutting features, and the ability to transmit results instantly. To address connectivity issues in geographically isolated areas, Comelec will use Starlink and GPS technology.
Valeza also announced that 30,000 teachers would be trained in February 2025 as electoral board members to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.
Through these initiatives, Comelec aims to familiarize voters with the new voting process and empower them to make informed choices in the upcoming elections.
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