Tacloban: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has commenced the distribution of 3.25 million ballots in Eastern Visayas this week as part of its preparations for the midterm elections scheduled for May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Eastern Visayas assistant regional director, Maria Corazon Montallana, confirmed that the central office initiated the shipment of ballots to the region on April 30. The distribution to cities and municipalities is set to be completed on or before May 7.

'We will send the ballots to the provincial treasurer's office. They are mobilized to help facilitate the distribution of ballot boxes and election paraphernalia to all component municipalities and cities,' Montallana informed reporters. Independent cities will receive their election materials directly from Comelec.

Post-elections, ballot boxes will be delivered to municipal or city treasurers for secure safekeeping. In the event of election protests, these ballot boxes could be presented in court. Unlike previous elections, Comelec will not provide excess ballots for replacement of spoiled ones, Montallana stated.

Currently, over 4,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) are housed in public buildings within cities and municipalities. These machines are slated for delivery to polling centers on May 6, ahead of the final testing and sealing activities scheduled for May 7.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army reported that nearly 1,290 personnel from 19 army units of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) cast their votes from April 28 to 30 during the local absentee voting held at the army headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Under the absentee voting system for the 2025 midterm elections, voters can only select national positions - senators and party-lists - as absentee voting occurs outside their official place of registration. Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, emphasized the significance of civic engagement among soldiers, stating that voting is a powerful expression of their dedication not only to national security but also to democracy.