Comelec inks MOA with Rotary Club for info campaign on VCMs

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Rotary Club of Manila South (RCMS) for the conduct of an information campaign on the vote-counting machines (VCMs).

In a statement, the poll body said the campaign aims to assure the public of the “reliability, credibility and maximum security, not just of the VCM but the entire election system.”

The RCMS commits to organize and facilitate the staging of VCM demo roadshows and lectures, in cooperation with other Rotary Clubs.

The MOA signing was witnessed by the key officials of RCMS in Casino Español de Manila, Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.

"Itong MOA na ito ay isang paraan upang masiguro na ngayon pa lamang ay makilala na ng mga botante ang itsura ng makina, kung paano gamitin ang makina, at ano ang kanilang ieexpect sa darating na halalan," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said.

(This MOA is one way to make sure that the voters are informed about the machines, how it will be used, and what they can expect in the upcoming polls.)

Through this, the poll body said, greater access is given to communities where Rotary Clubs are present, especially to those who are interested in a VCM demo and voter education lectures.

The public may request these demonstrations and lectures through RCMS.

“Maraming naaabot na komunidad ang ating Rotary Clubs sa buong bansa, halimbawa sa District 3810 ay mayroon nang higit sa isang daan na clubs na konektado sa mga barangay at marami pang komunidad," Jimenez added.

(The Rotary Club reaches many communities across the country. For example, in District 3810 [of Manila], there are more than 100 clubs that are connected to some barangays and other communities.)

For RCMS’ part, the agreement would help the Comelec in achieving a successful 2022 national and local elections.

"With this memorandum of agreement, essentially, the COMELEC and RCMS have agreed to collaborate and work together to achieve our common goals with respect to the upcoming elections, at no cost to the COMELEC," RCMS president Mario T. Dionisio, Jr. said. — BM, GMA News