Comelec begins final testing, sealing of ACMs for May polls

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- By DHEL NAZARIO and ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially started yesterday the final testing and sealing (FTS) of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) which will be used for the first time in the May 2025 midterm polls.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia personally oversaw the procedures and emphasized the importance of the FTS process, describing it as critical to ensuring the readiness and integrity of the automated election system.

He noted that the touchscreen technology of the new ACMs makes them more accessible, especially for those already familiar with digital devices.

“Kung napansin ninyo, nakakatuwa sapagkat yung mga makina naman na ginagamit natin ay user-friendly. So parang walang pinagkaiba sa paggamit ng ating mga computers (If you noticed, it's quite encouraging because the machines we use are user-friendly. So, it's almost no different from using our computers)," Garcia said during the activity.

He explained that the machines are programmed to guide users through errors and can easily revert to previous steps. He also assured the public that the instructions are basic and easy to follow.

Amajor component of the FTS is the "zero initialization" where machines print a report confirming that no votes are preloaded, underscoring that this is a safeguard to prove the machines are starting clean for every precinct.

Garcia detailed how the FTS also helps identify any missing materials or defective parts in the kits sent to each polling place.

The final testing also includes checking the physical ballots specific to each precinct, verifying their size, color, and compatibility with the machines, according to Garcia, who stressed the importance of matching the ballots with the correct polling precincts.

Comelec has set the deadline for FTS nationwide from May 2 to May 7. Garcia rejected proposals to extend the period to May 10, especially in far-flung areas.