Comelec 90-95% ready for 2025 polls amid challenges

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is estimated to be 90-95% prepared for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, with preparations on track for an orderly and credible election.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that while much has been accomplished, there are still issues that need to be addressed.

The local campaign period for the 2025 elections has begun, and Garcia requested candidates to carefully plan their motorcade activities to avoid traffic disruptions.

COMELEC is intensifying efforts to combat vote buying, warning that both buyers and recipients face penalties of one to six years in prison.

Security is also being heightened in "red-category" areas where poll-related violence may erupt, such as Maguindanao, with increased police checkpoints.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has directed financial institutions to prevent their systems from being used for digital vote buying.

An election officer and her spouse were targeted for assassination in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.