Comelec completes ACMs final testing, notes minor glitches in Eastern Visayas, Negros Oriental, Capiz, Antique

At least 5,670 automated counting machines (ACMs) for the upcoming national and local elections in Eastern Visayas underwent final testing and sealing on Tuesday.

In Negros Oriental, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that the final testing of ACMs went smoothly with only minor issues such as printing problems in Dumaguete City and a defective USB in Mabinay town.

The Comelec in Capiz has also completed the final testing and sealing of all 773 ACMs designated for the province's clustered precincts ahead of the May 12 national and local elections, with minor issues such as screen freezing due to low voltage and misplaced smart cards resolved immediately.

In Antique, Comelec Acting Assistant Regional Director Wil Arceño reported that one of the 40 ACMs deployed in Caluya encountered a technical issue with its USB during final testing on Wednesday, causing a delay but was later addressed by obtaining a contingency unit from the provincial hub.

Minor complaints were noted across 17 municipalities in Antique, including a blot on ballots caused by markers, prompting Comelec to advise voters to shade lightly as the shading threshold has been lowered to 15 percent for accurate vote counting.