QUEZON CITY (PIA) - The Commission on Elections reports that preparations for the October 30, 2023 Barangay and SK elections are underway nationwide.

In Legazpi City, Albay, the local COMELEC office simulated a mock setup for the planned mall voting at SM City Legazpi on August 19.

Legazpi City election officer Connie Del Castillo, said 50 voters out of 720 registered voters from Barangay Capantawan were joined the simulation.

“The turnout was fast and with no much delay. On the day of the election, we will set up waiting and holding areas so that in case there are long lines of voters, they will be comfortable since they are in an air-conditioned area,” Del Castillo said.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency – Albay, SM City Legazpi Mall Manager Cindy Lilia assured voters of efficient and comfortable voting in October.

“We are grateful that we’ve been receiving positive feedback for today’s simulation in preparation for the October 30 BSK election. Rest assured that we’re taking note of the feedback. We are offering our facilities and venue for convenience to our voters, as well as the safety and security of everyone,” said Lilia.

In the Caraga region, COMELEC is closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the elections’ safety and integrity.

The PNP particularly, will set up checkpoints in key areas and increase visibility

Caraga regional election director Atty. Francisco Pobe stated that barangay elections in the region are generally done manually.

“We are also exploring the possibility of mall voting. Caraga region was not included among the identified areas; only those highly-urbanized areas in Metro Manila, Davao, Cebu, for us to see how it is effective and its impact in the society. The other one that we are looking into is the conduct of early voting from 5:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. This is for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors,” he said.

Atty. Pobe added that COMELEC has also ramped up their kontra-bigay campaign in a bid to minimize and eliminate vote buying. (GG/PIA with reports from PIA5/PIA13)