Comelec Adjusts Ballot Printing Strategy for 2025 Midterm Elections Amid Contract Changes
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has made significant adjustments too its ballot printing process for the May 2025 midterm elections, partially terminating its contract with technology provider Miru Systems to ensure timely completion. The decision, announced by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, aims to meet the April 14 deadline for printing approximately 73 million official ballots.
“We’re still pushing through with our contract (with Miru Systems), but they’re supposed to be printing all of the ballots. If that’s the case, then we cannot ensure they will finish printing by our set deadline of April 14,” Garcia explained in filipino.
To address the challenge, the task of printing ballots for the 18 regions nationwide has been divided between Miru Systems and the National Printing Office (NPO). The NPO will handle over 35 million ballots for regions such as Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Caraga, Soccsksargen, and BARMM. Meanwhile, Miru systems will print over 36 million ballots for Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol.
Andrew Shim, Miru’s project managing director, expressed support for the decision, stating, “It is vital that the ballots are printed on schedule, so that we can properly deliver all peripherals to the different regions around the country.”
Key Adjustments and Challenges
The Comelec has set an April deadline for ballot printing to allow sufficient time for the more complex task of nationwide distribution. Though, Garcia noted that the assigned allocations may still be adjusted based on the number of ballots printed. Both the NPO and Miru systems will only be paid for ballots that meet quality standards.
In a related advancement, six million previously printed ballots will be disposed of following a supreme Court (SC) order to include the name of a previously disqualified senatorial aspirant. these ballots are currently stored in a Comelec warehouse in Laguna, awaiting disposal.
Garcia also addressed concerns about candidates with pending motions or disqualifications, stating, “As long as there is no final and executory decision by election time, all votes for them (candidates with pending motions and decisions) will be considered as valid votes.” Votes for candidates who withdraw after ballot printing, however, will be considered stray.
NPO’s Commitment to Efficiency
Before the printing process began, Comelec formalized an agreement with the NPO to ensure smooth operations. NPO director Revsee Escobedo emphasized their commitment to producing 1.5 million ballots daily while minimizing defective ballots. To achieve this, the NPO has mobilized 64 personnel to support the massive undertaking.
summary of Ballot Printing Allocations
| Region | Ballots to Print | Responsible Entity |
|—————————–|———————-|————————|
| Davao,Zamboanga,etc. | 35 million | NPO |
| Metro Manila,CAR,etc. | 36 million | Miru Systems |
Looking ahead
As the Comelec navigates logistical challenges and legal considerations, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and efficient electoral process. Garcia assured that the poll body is prepared to act accordingly if the Supreme Court issues any further temporary restraining orders.
With the midterm elections fast approaching, the Comelec’s strategic adjustments underscore its commitment to upholding the integrity of the democratic process. For more updates on the 2025 elections, visit the official Comelec website.
This article is based on a report by Mayen Jaymalin of the Philippine Star.
