WITH less than 100 days before the scheduled Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is going full blast with its preparations for the October 13 polls.
In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they are no longer holding back with their preparations for the BPE as they run the risk of running out of time.
“Based on our computations, no matter how we try to adjust, we are running out of time to prepare. Thus, we are going full blast with our preparations for the Bangsamoro elections,” he said.
The poll chief said they have already adjusted their timelines repeatedly as they continue to wait for the decision of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary on what to do with the seven seats originally for Sulu.
“We don’t know how to adjust our timelines anymore if we will continue to wait for the law (on redistricting of Bangsamoro),” said Garcia.
He said the Comelec is now completing the source code for the automated counting machines (ACMs), which will be followed by the trusted build, escrow at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, finalization of the voters list, and ballot printing.
The official said they are also set to conduct the field testing on July 19 and mock polls on July 26.
Garcia said the Calendar of Activities for the BPE has also been finalized, including the election period and campaign period, among others.
“Once the law sets a date for the election, the Comelec will be ready to hold the election at all cost,” he said.
In a separate interview, Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino assured the public that they are prepared to hold a peaceful and secure BPE on October 13.
She said they are now conducting a series of meetings with the PNP and AFP in preparation for the security concerns in the Bangsamoro polls.
“If we have secured the previous elections, there is no reason why we cannot secure the BARMM more. We are more focused on this because the PNP and AFP can deploy more forces,” she said.
Asked if “Comelec Control” will remain imposed in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte and Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur, she said they are leaning towards its lifting due to the improved security situation.
