Comelec: Elections prep at 95%, ballot printing 60% complete

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Sunday that preparations for the May 12 national and local elections are now at 95 percent completion, with about 60 percent of the ballots printed as of today.

Chairperson George Erwin Garcia assured during a press conference in Baguio City that Comelec expects to complete ballot printing by March 19, despite earlier delays due to court-issued restraining orders.

Garcia said Comelec managed to average between 1.5 million and 1.7 million ballots printed per day using contingency measures, ensuring the verification process will be completed around April 20.

Comelec has also initiated 'Oplan Baklas' to remove illegal campaign materials, warning candidates that failure to comply could result in charges or disqualification.

Garcia emphasized that local government units are responsible for enforcing regulations on illegal campaign materials starting March 28 when the local candidate campaigns begin.

Additionally, Comelec will start cracking down on unregulated surveys seen to influence public perception ahead of the elections with the creation of Task Force Respect.