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Advocates Philippines
COMELEC Gears Up: Buluan Under Control, Absentee Voting Starts, And Membership Cards Banned As Election Propaganda
FILE
Intramuros, Manila — With just days to go before the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is stepping up its game with several big announcements to ensure smooth, safe, and fair voting across the country. Here’s the latest straight from the Commission En Banc.
Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur Now Under COMELEC Control
Things have been tense in Buluan lately, and now it’s official: the town is under COMELEC control. The declaration, formalized through Resolution No. 11131, took effect on April 15, 2025, following a string of shootings and election-related violence.
Under COMELEC Control, the Commission takes direct supervision over government employees and law enforcement agencies in the area. That means tighter coordination with the AFP, PNP, and other agencies to maintain peace and order.
Buluan is now the second area in the country placed under COMELEC control this election season—Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte was placed under similar status earlier this month after the tragic shooting of an election officer and his wife.
The move aims to prevent any further violence and ensure that elections proceed without intimidation or chaos.
Ballots Rolling Out for Local Absentee Voting (LAV)
In another important development, COMELEC officially began deploying ballots for Local Absentee Voting on April 15. This covers qualified members of the AFP, PNP, government employees, and media workers who will be on duty during election day.
Out of the 72,236 applications received for LAV, 57,689 were approved. The breakdown includes:
• 29,030 from the Armed Forces
• 23,448 from the police
• 1,005 from media
• 4,206 from various government agencies
Voting will happen over three days—April 28 to 30—between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Unlike previous elections, the 2025 LAV will use automated counting machines (ACMs) for the first time, modernizing the process for increased accuracy and transparency.
Membership Cards Banned as Election Propaganda
In a shift from earlier policy, COMELEC has decided to ban the use of membership cards as election propaganda under Minute Resolution No. 25-0438. While they were initially allowed alongside campaign freebies like fans, shirts, and mugs, the Commission reversed course to prevent misuse and unauthorized campaigning.
Under Resolution No. 11086, candidates must get approval for any election materials outside the usual posters, billboards, and media ads. COMELEC says the move to disallow membership cards is about keeping the playing field level and discouraging under-the-table campaign gimmicks.
Final Stretch Before the Big Day
With these updates, COMELEC is making it clear: they’re all in when it comes to securing a fair and peaceful election. Whether it’s tightening security in high-risk areas, modernizing absentee voting, or clamping down on questionable campaign tactics, the Commission is moving fast to ensure everything’s ready by May 12.
Let’s all do our part too—stay informed, follow the rules, and most importantly, go out and vote.
Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur Now Under COMELEC Control
Things have been tense in Buluan lately, and now it’s official: the town is under COMELEC control. The declaration, formalized through Resolution No. 11131, took effect on April 15, 2025, following a string of shootings and election-related violence.
Under COMELEC Control, the Commission takes direct supervision over government employees and law enforcement agencies in the area. That means tighter coordination with the AFP, PNP, and other agencies to maintain peace and order.
Buluan is now the second area in the country placed under COMELEC control this election season—Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte was placed under similar status earlier this month after the tragic shooting of an election officer and his wife.
The move aims to prevent any further violence and ensure that elections proceed without intimidation or chaos.
Ballots Rolling Out for Local Absentee Voting (LAV)
In another important development, COMELEC officially began deploying ballots for Local Absentee Voting on April 15. This covers qualified members of the AFP, PNP, government employees, and media workers who will be on duty during election day.
Out of the 72,236 applications received for LAV, 57,689 were approved. The breakdown includes:
• 29,030 from the Armed Forces
• 23,448 from the police
• 1,005 from media
• 4,206 from various government agencies
Voting will happen over three days—April 28 to 30—between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Unlike previous elections, the 2025 LAV will use automated counting machines (ACMs) for the first time, modernizing the process for increased accuracy and transparency.
Membership Cards Banned as Election Propaganda
In a shift from earlier policy, COMELEC has decided to ban the use of membership cards as election propaganda under Minute Resolution No. 25-0438. While they were initially allowed alongside campaign freebies like fans, shirts, and mugs, the Commission reversed course to prevent misuse and unauthorized campaigning.
Under Resolution No. 11086, candidates must get approval for any election materials outside the usual posters, billboards, and media ads. COMELEC says the move to disallow membership cards is about keeping the playing field level and discouraging under-the-table campaign gimmicks.
Final Stretch Before the Big Day
With these updates, COMELEC is making it clear: they’re all in when it comes to securing a fair and peaceful election. Whether it’s tightening security in high-risk areas, modernizing absentee voting, or clamping down on questionable campaign tactics, the Commission is moving fast to ensure everything’s ready by May 12.
Let’s all do our part too—stay informed, follow the rules, and most importantly, go out and vote.
Apr 15, 2025
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