EDITORIAL: Upholding Integrity

WITH the May 12, 2025, midterm and local elections fast approaching, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and law enforcement agencies in Camarines Sur are ramping up preparations to ensure a smooth, fair, and peaceful electoral process.

The initiatives being implemented—from training election personnel to enforcing campaign regulations and security measures—demonstrate the commitment to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

One of the key steps in this preparation is the ongoing training of Electoral Board members, which started on March 1 and will conclude on April 2. The inclusion of IT certification by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is a welcome move, ensuring that poll workers are equipped with the necessary skills to operate automated voting machines effectively.

Meanwhile, the upcoming training for the Board of Canvassers at the city and municipal levels will further strengthen the electoral process. These efforts highlight the importance of competence and efficiency in handling election-related tasks.

Beyond training, enforcing election laws is just as crucial. The launch of “Oplan Baklas,” a campaign aimed at removing illegal campaign materials, reinforces the need for candidates to comply with fair election guidelines.

COMELEC’s approach—cautioning violators and giving them 72 hours to remove illegal paraphernalia before taking action—is a reasonable and transparent way to implement the rules.

Candidates and their supporters must take responsibility in ensuring that their campaign activities adhere to the law, particularly when it comes to the proper placement of election materials.

Security remains a top priority, and the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO) is taking proactive steps to maintain order. The reassignment of police personnel with close relatives running for office is a necessary measure to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, the CSPPO’s “zero election-related incidents” record from January 12 to March 16, as reflected in the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) nationwide monitoring system, is an encouraging sign that the election period is being handled with vigilance.

The strict enforcement of the gun ban, which has already led to the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of firearms, further underscores the commitment to preventing violence.

COMELEC’s directive that transmission devices will only connect to vote-counting machines after the printing of election returns is another important safeguard.

This measure addresses concerns about possible tampering and ensures that the voting process remains secure and credible. Transparency in vote transmission is a vital aspect of public trust in the automated election system.

Candidates and political groups must also do their part in maintaining order by securing the necessary permits for rallies and ensuring that their campaigns do not disrupt peace and security.

The public, too, plays a critical role—by staying informed, reporting irregularities, and exercising their right to vote responsibly.

As election day draws nearer, the challenge is to sustain these efforts and ensure that all preparations lead to a credible and peaceful election.

A well-managed electoral process is not just the responsibility of the authorities—it is a collective duty that requires cooperation from all sectors.

The upcoming elections must reflect the people’s true will, free from irregularities, violence, or undue influence. Ensuring this is the ultimate goal, and all efforts must remain steadfast in achieving it.