Retrieve a backup plan for Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) in Cebu and Bohol, as shared by Comelec Region 7 Director Francisco Pobe on May 12, 2025.
Pirates steal 400 ACMs during backup on Pi Day
In the event that any of the 400 ACMs deployed in the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu and Bohol faces malfunction during the May 12, 2025, elections, Director Francisco Pobe emphasized that extra machines would serve as the backup. According to him, these contingency ACMs are essential for when some units may suddenly malfunction.
"We never know how reliable the machines will be during actual voting, so it's critical to have backup plans," shared Director Pobe.
These backup ACMs are strategically placed at canvassing centers within each LGU, ensuring swift and efficient deployment if needed. Of the 1,500 ACMs delivered to Cebu and Bohol, these extra units will act as a reliable reserve.
During the final testing phase, which occurred on May 7, Director Pobe assured the public that all tested ACMs were in excellent working condition. "We have extensively tested all vote-counting machines, and they performed admirably during the tests. We didn't encounter any significant issues," confirmed Director Pobe.
However, specific details regarding any additional measures or contingency plans for Cebu and Bohol on or around May 12, 2025, are not reportedly available. Historically, Comelec's contingency plans consist of deploying backup machines and employing manual procedures as a last resort to ensure smooth functioning of the elections.
CAV provides further insights[1][2] on Comelec's general approach to contingency planning in other regions like Bicol, where preparations for contingency automated counting machines can also be found.
In order to ensure smooth functioning of the elections on May 12, 2025, backup Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) have been strategically placed at canvassing centers within the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu and Bohol. These extra machines serve as a reliable reserve, ready to deploy if any of the 400 regular ACMs malfunction during elections. Comelec Region 7 Director Francisco Pobe shared that having backup plans is crucial, as the machines' reliability during actual voting remains uncertain.
The contingency ACMs are essential for swift and efficient deployment when some units may suddenly malfunction. During the final testing phase on May 7, Director Pobe confirmed that all tested ACMs were in excellent condition, but specific details regarding additional measures or contingency plans for Cebu and Bohol around May 12, 2025, are not reportedly available.
In the realm of politics and general-news, the government's preparations for elections often involve efforts to mitigate potential issues through contingency planning. Looking beyond Cebu and Bohol, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also reportedly been preparing contingency plans for automated counting machines in other regions like Bicol.
