Comelec begins distributing automated election system supplies to provinces

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday began transporting to the provinces the automated election system (AES) supplies that will be used in the May 9 polls. 

Vote-counting machines (VCMs), consolidated canvassing system (CCS) computers and peripherals, and transmission devices were loaded onto trucks that left the poll body's warehouse in Sta. Rosa, Laguna at midnight to deliver these supplies to regional hubs across the country.

Among those present during the ceremony were Comelec Chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan and Commissioners Aimee Ferolino, Rey Bulay, and George Garcia, as well as Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting head Myla Villanueva and other election stakeholders.

“We are on track. The dispatch of various election items, including AES (automated election system) supplies, is proceeding as planned,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

The Comelec said the deployment of election-related equipment, peripherals, forms, and supplies started in February.

The first items to be deployed were VCM external batteries, non-accountable forms, and supplies. 

The official ballots and indelible ink will be dispatched next.

The Comelec has already completed the printing of the official ballots. — VBL, GMA News