THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday inked a memorandum of agreement to coordinate and share assets in the conduct of the 2025 mid-term elections.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the agreement will allow the poll body to gain access to their Command Center, camera equipment, body cameras, radios and personnel for activities related to next year’s elections.
The MMDA Command Center, which is located at the agency’s main headquarters in Pasig City, simultaneously monitors up to 330 close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) strategically placed all over Metro Manila.
“Yun pong mga assets ng MMDA ay atin pong ipapagamit at magiging under the disposal ng Comelec during the election period to ensure a clean, honest, and transparent election (The assets of the MMDA will be shared and placed under the disposal of the Comelec during the election period to ensure a clean, honest, and transparent elections),” Artes told reporters after the MOA signing.
He also said the MMDA will also assist the poll body in removing election materials put up in places which are not designated as official poster areas by providing personnel and logistical support.
“The MMDA shall delegate in each city or municipality in the NCR and Comelec main office an officer to serve as a member of the task force for tearing down and removing unlawful election materials. This MMDA officer will coordinate and assist election officers in fulfilling their responsibilities related to the removal of such materials,” a provision of the agreement stated.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia said that under the agreement, the poll body will provide one computer station for MMDA representatives at the Comelec Command Center, ensure the timely and proper use of MMDA facilities and equipment strictly for election-related activities, and coordinate with the agency for any technical assistance, equipment transportation and personnel requirement.
Garcia appealed to candidates and political parties to conduct training or orientation for their staff regarding their operations, especially when it comes to posting campaign materials.
“Sana may responsible way by which makakapagkabit sila ng mga campaign materials na consistent, pursuant sa aming guidelines, na hindi naman tayo nakakaistorbo doon sa traffic, nakakaistorbo doon sa pedestrian (I hope they [candidates] will be responsible in putting up campaign materials consistent and pursuant to our guidelines so that they will not disturb traffic flow and pedestrians),” he said.
