MMDA, Comelec to share resources for midterm elections

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Commission on Elections (Comelec) have partnered on Tuesday, Nov. 12, to share assets for the midterm elections.

Under the agreement, the poll body will gain access to the MMDA communications and command center for real-time monitoring of the elections next year.

The MMDA said it will provide deployable and body-worn cameras, radios, and other communication devices to the commission during the election period.

The agency also vowed to designate a representative who will help in election activities such as final testing and sealing of machines, international observation, mock polls, among others.

“Aside from the deployment of our trained personnel for traffic assistance, MMDA will assign necessary manpower to assist election officers of the NCR (National Capital Region) and Comelec main office in carrying out the tear down and removal of unlawful election materials,” MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes was quoted as saying in a press release.

The two agencies called candidates to be responsible in posting their election materials.

MMDA said installing posters in all its properties, including parks and sub-offices, are strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, the poll body welcomed the agency’s assistance.

“Every election, we have always been collaborating with MMDA. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to chairman Artes for allowing us to use the agency's resources for operations here in Metro Manila so that we can effectively ensure transparency throughout the election period,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.