Dumaguete: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Tuesday that automated counting machines (ACMs) destined for the upcoming May 12 elections in Negros Oriental and Siquijor will arrive on Maundy Thursday. This delivery is crucial for the preparation and smooth conduct of the electoral process in these areas.
According to Philippine News Agency, Comelec-Negros Island Region director Lionel Marco Castillano stated that the first batch of ACMs for Negros Oriental will arrive in four container vans, transported by a sea vessel from Manila. This arrival is a day later than originally scheduled. The exact number of ACM units will be confirmed upon their arrival and subsequent inventory.
Castillano mentioned that the ACMs will be stored at a designated hub post-inventory until they are ready for distribution to various towns and cities in Negros Oriental. The final testing and sealing (FTS) of these machines will occur at least one week before the elections. This testing phase is essential to ensure the machines are operational, with any necessary replacements or repairs being identified during this period.
Negros Oriental requires a total of 1,289 ACMs, with each clustered precinct needing one unit. In addition, the ACMs for the nearby province of Siquijor will also be routed through Dumaguete City. Siquijor has 149 clustered precincts, necessitating an equivalent number of machines.
