Comelec suspends voter educ, ACM demo in Pampanga due to bad weather

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday suspended the voter education and automated counting machine (ACM) demonstration for indigenous peoples (IPs) in Pampanga due to inclement weather.

The poll body likewise postponed its document evaluation on Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo slated on Thursday, July 25.

“The Voter Education and ACM Demonstration for IPs in Mabalacat, Pampanga and the Document Evaluation in Bamban, Tarlac scheduled tomorrow, July 25, 2024 [are] postponed due to inclement weather and severe flooding in NCR, Region 3 and most of Luzon,” the Comelec said in an advisory.

Chairperson George Erwin Garcia earlier said the Comelec was scheduled to visit Bamban on July 25 to obtain documents for Guo's case including the election day computerized voters list (EDCVL), which contains the details of voters who cast their ballots including their fingerprints.

Garcia said the evidence will help the Office of the Solicitor General on the quo warranto petition it is eyeing to file against Guo before the end of the month.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is being experienced over a large swath of the country Wednesday due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and Habagat.

According to PAGASA, Batanes remains under storm signal number 2 as Typhoon Carina continues to intensify while moving towards Taiwan.

Storm signal no. 1, meanwhile, was up over Babuyan Islands, northern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. recommended to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. the declaration of state of calamity in Metro Manila amid the massive flooding.

Work, classes suspended

Due to the inclement weather, Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in Metro Manila for the day.

"In view of the forecasted continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina at 05:00 a.m. today, 24 July 2024, as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council," according to an announcement from the Office of the Executive Secretary.

"However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services."

Many areas outside Metro Manila also suspended classes for Wednesday due to the weather.

Aside from work and class suspensions, several flights were also canceled.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, suspended the expanded number-coding scheme and allowed buses, regardless of route, to use EDSA for faster mobility due to the flooded areas in Metro Manila. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News