Dumaguete: Thousands of teachers in Negros Oriental have commenced training on the use of automated counting machines (ACM) as a prerequisite for certification by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for their roles in the upcoming elections. The training is being conducted over two days in designated locations, including Dumaguete, Mabinay, and Guihulngan City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental, Lawyer Eddie Aba, emphasized the importance of the training, stating it aims to ensure that teachers are proficient in operating the ACMs to mitigate any potential issues during the May 12 midterm elections. The first day of the training is dedicated to understanding the ACM and its functionalities, while the second day focuses on the DOST certification examinations.

To participate in the elections, only the chairperson and the poll clerk of each three-member electoral board at every precinct are required to undergo this training and obtain certification. Aba noted that if either the chairperson or poll clerk fails the examination, having at least one certified teacher in each voting precinct will suffice. He also mentioned that certified teachers from other precincts could be utilized if necessary.

The Comelec had earlier announced that approximately 9,000 teachers from the Department of Education in the Negros Island Region are expected to serve in the May 12 elections. In related developments, Aba has given the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) the authority to remove illegal campaign posters from electric poles, expressing concern over the persistent violation of laws regarding the display of campaign materials by national and local candidates. Such violations could result in severe consequences, including perpetual disqualification from public office if a candidate is legally charged and found guilty.