Comelec launches info drive on polls

Opposition Sen. Teresa Aquino-Oreta urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday to conduct an information campaign in the 15 areas where the poll body and Congress have agreed to pilot-test the program to computerize elections.

"Voters should be familiarized with the new method to ensure that their ballots are read by the counting machines. A small error on the ballot can invalidate it," she said.

Oreta was a member of the Senate-House conference committee that crafted the joint resolution that would amend the law automating elections to limit the program to 15 areas.

The decision was prompted by lack of funds and time for the implementation of the computerization program nationwide.

The designated pilot-test areas are Metro Manila, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the provinces of Bataan, Albay and Cebu, and the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, and Isabela.

Oreta said pursuant to an agreement reached during the bicameral committee talks, the Comelec would demonstrate in the pilot-test areas how the new system works. — Jess Diaz