Comelec deploys poll materials for Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections yesterday started deploying election paraphernalia for the special poll in Batanes on Nov. 28, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

The special election will fill the vacancy in the House of Representatives following the death of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. on Sept. 21.

“The deployment would continue for the whole week,” Garcia said.

Among the items to be used for the manual special elections are the official ballots, ballot boxes, ballot secrecy folders, indelible ink, ballpens, printer ink and ribbons.

Garcia said the Comelec would pilot-test the transmission of election results through the Viber app or through text messaging to speed up vote canvassing on election day.

“What we will do is send the results via text message without waiting for the hard copies, although hard copies should still be sent afterward for counter-checking,” Garcia said.

As the transmission method is new, Garcia noted that its implementation should have the consent of the political parties and candidates.

Four candidates are vying for the vacant congressional seat: former Batanes governor Marilou Cayco; Luis Andres Abad, son of former budget secretary Florencio Abad; retired soldier Edward Ike de Sagon and retired government employee John Gato.