The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that the final testing and sealing of the automated counting machines may likely start from May 2 to May 8.

In an interview at the Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel on Wednesday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that the automated counting machines should be delivered by May 1.

"The machines should be with the teachers by May 1 for the final testing and sealing ... that will take place on May 2 and more or less until May 8", Garcia said.

Ten original ballots intended for the specific precinct will be found in the sealed machines and will be used for the testing.

Garcia said the teachers who will work during the midterm election will head to their designated precincts and facilitate the voting of ten registered individuals to see if the automated counting machines are working.

"This can be witnessed at every precinct as if it's election day, so that after the final testing and sealing, the machine itself will be sealed again", he added.

The machines will not be returned to the office of the treasurer or Comelec as "it will remain in the school, usually inside the principal's office, and will be guarded by the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)".

The Comelec has 110,000 automated counting machines and 16,000 excess machines that may be used in case of an emergency.

"Therefore, if we have 1,667 municipalities and cities, they will have around eight contingency machines, this is the first time in every municipality or city. We also have 10 machines each in 83 provinces", Garcia added. Marie Manalili/DMS