BEIs, voters in Iloilo ‘all set’ to open polls

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A day before the local and national elections, precincts across the La Paz, Molo, and Mandurriao districts of the city confirmed that they are all set for the May 9 polls.

“Even if the elections were held today, we are all ready,” said Shirley Janitello, a poll clerk at Ticud Elementary School precinct.

“We believe we are ready. Everything is ready,” said Edwardo Sembrano, a third member assigned to Mandurriao Elementary School. (READ: Iloilo City ready for May 9 polls)

Jonathan Jaleco, chairman of the same precinct, confirmed that there are no major problems to worry about on election day.

Since May 6, when the final testing and sealing of the vote-counting machines (VCMs) were held, tow policemen were already assigned to secure every school.

“Tomorrow, each precinct will have a room that will serve as a waiting area, and a room where the voters will vote,” said Andrea Joy Pagunsan, one of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in Arroyo Elementary School, who discussed the basic procedures for election day.

“I think the voters already have an idea on what to do. We have assistance desks and directories to guide the voters,” she added.

‘Voter confidence’

Voters checking their precincts a day before the election expressed their belief that this 2016 electoral process is going to be a peaceful one, given the undisturbed events preceding the Election Day so far.

“I am sure who to vote. I’m ready to vote,” Antonio Bergara, a registered voter said.

“There’s no violence in any of the areas here in our place. We are peaceful here,” Eba Tamesis, a caretaker in Bolilao Elementary School, said.

She added that some of the teachers will be sleeping in the school because their houses are far away. The ballots are also expected to arrive at 12 midnight and BEIs were advised to personally receive the ballots.

During the testing and sealing held on May 6, BEIs confirmed no problem regarding the matching of receipt and the votes.

According to COMELEC, Iloilo City’s Molo district has 45,792 registered voters while Mandurriao has 31,553. La Paz district is home to 31,162 registered voters.

The voting process will start at 6 AM and will end at 5 PM. There will be holding areas for the late comers who will arrive after 5 PM. Voters within 500 meters will still be accommodated. – Rappler.com

Russel Patina is one of Rappler’s lead Movers in Iloilo City.