January 28, 2025 | 12:00am

Comelec Adjusts Ballot Printing Contract to Meet Midterm Elections Deadline

In a strategic move to ensure the timely production of official ballots for the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has partially terminated its contract with technology provider Miru Systems. This decision allows the National Printing Office (NPO) to take over half of the ballot printing task, addressing concerns about meeting the April 14 deadline.

Comelec Chooses NPO to Share Ballot Printing Responsibilities

Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the partial termination of the contract with Miru Systems is necessary to accommodate the NPO’s involvement in the ballot printing process. “We need to balance our resources and ensure that we can deliver the required ballots on time,” he stated.

The Comelec has divided the printing responsibilities between the NPO and Miru. The NPO will handle the printing of over 35 million ballots for 11 regions, including Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and others. Miru Systems, on the other hand, will be responsible for printing approximately 36 million ballots for regions such as Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and more.

Miru Systems Supports Comelec’s Decision

Andrew Shim, project managing director of Miru Systems, expressed support for the Comelec’s decision, emphasizing their commitment to printing the ballots on schedule. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the delivery of peripherals to different regions is按时cheduled,” he said.

Flexibility in Ballot Printing Allocations

Garcia clarified that the ballot printing allocations may change based on the production progress. The Comelec will only pay for good-quality ballots printed by both providers. He also set an April 14 deadline for ballot printing to allow more time for the challenging task of distributing the ballots nationwide.

Addressing Legal and Election-related Concerns

Comelec has also addressed several significant legal issues related to the elections. Pending motions and the inclusion of candidates on ballots amidst legal proceedings have been clarified. Garcia emphasized that all votes for candidates with pending motions or provisional decisions would be considered valid until a final and executory decision is reached.

Moreover, votes for candidates who withdrew after ballot printing would be considered stray votes. The Comelec has already transferred six million ballots to its warehouse in Laguna for safekeeping and disposal.

NPO’s Commitment to Ballot Production

The NPO has committed to printing around 1.5 million ballots daily. To meet this goal, 64 NPO personnel will work in shifts around the clock, operating four machines 24 hours a day.

NPO director Revsee Escobedo stated, “We are dedicated to reducing the rate of defective ballots and ensuring timely delivery of quality ballots to all regions.”

Persistent Oplan Katok Amid Concerns

Despite concerns raised by Garcia about potential human rights violations and abuse, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue its “Oplan Katok” operations. Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the PNP spokesperson, explained that the program is a regular, year-round police operation and not exclusively tied to election periods.

Fajardo also announced that the PNP will collaborate with Comelec to thoroughly explain the nature and purpose of Oplan Katok to ensure that all stakeholders are informed.

Conclusion

The Comelec’s strategic decision to involve the NPO in ballot printing is aimed at addressing concerns about timely production and quality assurance. By anticipating potential challenges and making proactive adjustments, the commission demonstrates its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent midterm elections.

We’ll be closely monitoring the progress of ballot printing and distribution. Stay informed and engaged as the election preparations continue. Your continued support and feedback are crucial as we navigate this important democratic process.

What are your thoughts on Comelec’s strategy to ensure timely and quality ballot printing? Leave your comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on the 2025 midterm elections and other significant news events.