Last-minute

The Comelec's Committee on Kontra Bigay earlier said most vote buying complaints it received came from Calabarzon, followed by Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

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Laguna, Marikina and Rizal were the top three areas.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its "Kontra Bigay" operations to combat vote buying and selling in the midterm elections.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil yesterday directed police regional directors and field commanders to bolster operations against people buying and selling votes.

"We will ensure that those who dare sabotage the electoral process through vote buying will be held accountable. Our duty is clear: to defend the people's right to a clean and honest vote," Marbil said in a statement.

Marbil urged the public to report vote buying and selling activities to the nearest police stations in their communities or through hotlines or Comelec channels.

The Kontra Bigay operations will remain in full force as the nation goes to the polls.

Fully prepared

The Comelec yesterday declared readiness in holding the midterm elections.

"The Comelec is fully prepared for the coming elections," Garcia said.

He noted that the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the automated counting machines in all the polling precincts have been completed.

Garcia said only minor issues were encountered, mostly administrative matters. "It's the first time we had an FTS that wasn't problematic. It was so successful as we were able to seal all machines after they are tested," said Garcia.

"The Comelec is ready. What is important is that our contingency measures are intact in case there are still issues that should be addressed," he stressed.

Garcia said they are continuously monitoring the peace and order situation in the country.

"So far, there are no reports of untoward incidents," Garcia added.

He reminded candidates that campaigning is prohibited on Sunday as well as on election day.

Garcia added that candidates should start removing their campaign materials, especially huge tarpaulins displayed in the streets.