Comelec optimistic on barangay polls, election paraphernalia distribution starts

A few hours before the opening of polling precincts Monday, the Commission on Elections said that it expected no major problems in the barangay elections. Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said they were not discounting that isolated incidents would occur, but he was confident the poll body and deputized law enforcers could handle them. "Wala naman pero we're expecting paisa-isang problema. Naka-ready tumulong ang AFP, PNP at teachers at DepEd," Brillantes said in an interview on dzBB radio. He added that election tellers would be on the lookout for violations of the Election Code, including attempts to campaign in polling areas. Meanwhile, the chairman said a fire that hit a school in Sta. Mesa, Manila Sunday night was not likely to disrupt the voting. Brillantes expected poll officials there to make the proper arrangements. Paraphernalia distributed Meanwhile, the Comelec started distributing election paraphernalia to various schools serving as polling centers early Monday. In Quezon City, dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported election materials were distributed at Corazon C. Aquino Elementary School. Quezon City police head Chief Superintendent Richard Albano also made the rounds of polling precincts before dawn. In Caloocan City, dzBB's Allan Gatus reported ballot boxes were distributed at Caloocan High School. — DVM, GMA News