MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections, allowing the Comelec to use the MMDA’s assets for the 2025 midterm polls.
The agreement, signed by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, allows the poll body to utilize the MMDA’s facilities, personnel and equipment to help ensure that the electoral process runs smoothly.
Under the partnership, the MMDA will provide access to its communications and command center, which will serve as a coordination hub for the Comelec.
The MMDA will also lend its mobile command center, body-worn cameras, radios and other communication devices to support real-time monitoring of the elections.
Aside from deploying trained personnel for traffic management, Artes said the MMDA would assist in removing unlawful election materials across Metro Manila.
The MMDA will also assign personnel to support election officers in dismantling illegal poll paraphernalia, and provide storage for confiscated items if necessary.
A designated MMDA representative will offer logistical assistance for election-related activities, including final testing and sealing as well as mock elections.
Garcia expressed gratitude for the MMDA’s support.
“I want to thank Chairman Romando Artes for allowing us to use the MMDA resources, which will help us uphold transparency throughout the election period,” Garcia said.
The Comelec will establish a computer station at the MMDA command center to streamline technical support, equipment handling and logistics.
‘No election hotspot’
Although not yet considered an election hotspot, the Comelec has perceived several areas in Metro Manila as tension-filled for the 2025 elections.
“At this point, there are still no critical areas of concern,” Garcia said.
He said relatives in some areas in Metro Manila are running against each other in next year’s elections.
“They should be closely monitored to prevent tension,” Garcia said.
The Comelec has asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to dismantle private armed groups in various parts of the country before the start of the campaign period.