With just weeks before the 2025 midterm elections, ballot boxes have arrived in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, while Comelec continues to tighten its campaign against vote buying in Dagupan City.

The first batch of ballot boxes were turned over to the Municipal Treasurer’s Office. Other essential election materials like the vote-counting machines (ACMs) and official ballots are expected to arrive soon.

Comelec also completed inspections of schools that will serve as polling centers. They assured voters that internet connections in all precincts are reliable and ready for election day.

“January hanggang February pa talaga kami nag-iinspect at saka regular ang aming coordination sa mga supervisors para malaman namin kung ano pa ang kailangan nila kasi may memo din na dapat regular namin silang kinakausap,” Gloria Cadiente, Mangaldan Municipal Election Officer, said.

In Dagupan City, Comelec is focusing on preventing vote buying. No official reports have been received yet, but the agency is working closely with groups like NAMFREL, PPCRV, and LENTE to monitor campaign activities.

“Ang target natin is to deter ang vote buying na magkaroon ng mga successful na complaints,” Atty. Michael Franks Sarmiento, Dagupan City Election Officer, said.

Comelec also reminds the public to speak up if they witness any form of vote buying. Each town and city now has an Anti-Vote Buying Complaint Desk to help process reports.

“Hinihiling natin sa public na i-document nila gaya ng videos at mag-file sila ng formal complaint,” Sarmiento added.