No error in final testing, sealing of ACMs in Iloilo City

SMOOTH OPERATION. Members of the electoral board submit the results of their final testing and sealing at the Iloilo City canvassing center on Wednesday (May 7, 2025). (Photo from COMELEC-ILOILO CITY)

ILOILO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed the successful completion of the final testing and sealing (FTS) of 414 automated counting machines (ACMs) in Iloilo City on Wednesday.

According to Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno, the FTS went generally without issue, with only minor concerns reported, such as a shortage of sample ballots and difficulty locating a USB device.

He said these situations were immediately resolved.

“We have completed the conduct of the final testing and sealing. Hopefully, this will continue until election day,” he said in an interview.

He added that the Comelec’s preparations are at 99 percent, with the final step being the dispatch of election paraphernalia in coordination with the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office.

All ACMs will stay in various voting centers, fully guarded by the Philippine National Police, and will be opened on election day on May 12.

At the Robinsons Mall voting center, Department of Education Supervising Officer (DESO) Dymphna Leizel Jocson reported that all machines were functioning properly.

DESO technicians are also on standby to provide technical support if necessary.

The FTS is a standard procedure to ensure that the ACMs are operational and accurately reading ballots before election day.

In a separate interview, Election Officer IV Pinky Jevini Tentativa noted that the early voting program is exclusive to persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women.

She said they are anticipating challenges in the program because there might be regular voters who might insist on casting their votes during the early morning period.

“Regular voters cannot vote in that certain period. This program of the Comelec is exclusive for the vulnerable sectors,” she said.

PWDs with non-apparent disabilities can show their ID as proof.

The exclusive time is for two hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women who will not be able to cast their votes during this period can still vote during the regular hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m./apl