A simultaneous final testing and sealing of Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) was held in areas of Central Visayas on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

In the Province of Bohol, there is a total of 1,542 ACMs for the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE). Citizens arms, poll watchers, and members of the media witnessed the final testing and sealing carried out by members of the Electoral Board in Tagbilaran City.

The Electoral Board emphasized it is important that the ACM goes through initialization, and that a receipt is generated which shows that the machine is empty of votes.

"So far, nakita man ninyo, naka-observe, nag-video, nag-take og pictures, gikan sa unlocking and hangtud sa pag-close voting, makita ninyo smooth ang atong procedure. Thank God nga successful atong FTS [final testing and sealing] karun,” Gemma Manatad, chairman of Cluster 9, said.

In the Province of Siquijor, the final testing and sealing was also done successfully. Among witnesses to the final testing are observers from the European Union.

After it was shown that the ACMs are empty, these were sealed and are set to be opened back on Monday, May 12, 2025, or on Election Day.

“Matod sa atong provincial election supervisor, we are 101% ready for the elections...pasalamat sa Diyos nga tanan natong machines are in running conditions and ready na for elections,” said Atty. Ian Anthony Sapayan, municipal election officer of Siquijor.

As for Dumaguete City in the Province of Negros Oriental, a glitch was observed in one ACM during the final testing and sealing.

A cutter for the thermal paper did not function.

After getting permission from COMELEC Central Office, the ACM was replaced immediately by one of the 16 contingency units available for Dumaguete City, according to Atty. Ian Michael Macaraya, election officer.

A total of 115 ACMs is available for the city’s 115 clustered precincts.

Overall, the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines in the said areas in Central Visayas was observed to be "smooth and orderly."

(via Leo Udtohan, Renan Ansing, and Nikko Sereno/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)