Results of 24-hour Vacuum from:
The 2025 National and Local Election Results for Davao Region Could Be Delayed
Controversy swirled around the 24-hour target for revealing the election results following a media briefing by Comelec-Davao Assistant Regional Election Director, Attorney Gay Enumerables, on May 1, 2025.
Enumerables expressed concern over the critical importance of transmission, fearing potential delays. The transmission process would only be considered complete once the Certificate of Canvas was printed and a proclamation was made, officially marking the end of the counting process.
During the briefing, Enumerables hinted at transmission issues arising from the continuous voting period between 5 PM and 7 PM across all Davao's clustered precincts, home to over a million registered voters.
Prior to closing the polling stations, a crucial stage, known as the ballot review, would take place. According to Enumerables, this stage is part of the protocol that entails examining "randomly selected" ballots on the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) screen for 15 seconds in the front and 5 seconds from behind. This process is designed to confirm the accuracy of the ballots.
Before closing the polling stations, Enumerables ensured that "privacy is preserved," as the ballots are processed anonymously, without identifying the voter[1].
Transmission Concerns
A recent discovery of Starlink satellite transmission devices in a private residence in Davao City has fueled concerns regarding the integrity of the election transmission process[2]. These devices were part of the Secure Electronic Transmission Services (SETS) project for the May elections and were not intended for vote counting or affecting automated counting machines[3].
Despite the discovery, there is currently no confirmation of a delay in the election results due to transmission issues in Comelec-Davao[4]. To address potential issues, the Comelec follows a specific protocol, including conducting audits and inspections, ensuring secure data transmission, and maintaining transparency through electoral watchdogs and political party representatives[5].
[1] Germa Siazon, UM Intern
[2] Secure Communications Channel Plan for the Philippines Elections 2022. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/04/secure-communications-channel-plan-for-the-philippines-elections-2022/
[3] Tortosa, C. (2022, March 14). Comelec removes Starlink devices from private residence. Rappler. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/vote-counting-machines/comelec-removes-starlink-devices-from-private-residence
[4] Pagcaliwangan, R. (2025, May 1). COMELEC clarifies on delay in election results. SunStar Philippines. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1979213
[5] Secure Electronic Transmission System. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.comelec.gov.ph/?p=1290
- Despite the controversy surrounding the transmission process, no official confirmation of a delay in the election results for Davao Region has been made by Comelec-Davao.
- The recent discovery of Starlink satellite transmission devices in a private residence in Davao City has added to the concerns about the integrity of the election transmission process.
- The Comelec, in an attempt to address potential issues, follows a specific protocol that includes conducting audits and inspections, ensuring secure data transmission, and maintaining transparency through electoral watchdogs and political party representatives.
- Despite not being intended for vote counting or affecting automated counting machines, the presence of Starlink devices in a private residence has raised questions about the security measures in place for the election transmission process.
- The general news outlets are closely monitoring the elections in Davao Region, reporting on the transmission concerns, updates from Comelec, and the progress of the Canvas enumeration of votes.
