Baguio: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that preparations for the May 2025 national and local elections are 95 percent complete. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, during Comelec’s participation at the Panagbenga Festival parade here, Chairperson George Erwin Garcia assured the commission is meeting its schedules.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated, “So far, 95 percent ready na tayo sa ating preparasyon. On time po kami sa iba’t-ibang aspeto ng ating paghahanda (So far, we are 95 percent ready in our preparations. We are on time in the different aspects of our preparations).” As of Sunday, about 45 million of the 72 million official ballots have already been printed, despite a two-week delay due to court-issued restraining orders on some candidates’ disqualification. Complete printing is eyed by March 19, followed by the verification (manual via naked eye and via machine) between April 10 and 20.

“We found a way to catch up with the ballot printing,” Garcia mentioned. Comelec prioritized printing for far-flung areas to ensure early deployment by the end of March. Election paraphernalia and voting machines are also ready for deployment. Likewise, Garcia said the poll body has already completed training for Department of Education supervisors and school principals. Electoral board training will begin next week.

Garcia emphasized that Comelec’s participation in the Panagbenga Festival parade is part of its education campaign to encourage citizens to vote wisely and increase voter turnout. “The Comelec is here to ensure that your votes will be counted and the rightful winners will be proclaimed,” Garcia said in Filipino.