Workers conduct the the Final Testing and Sealing of ballots and other paraphernalia at the National Printing Office, North Diliman, Quezon City on January 15, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday it has already printed more than 92 percent of the ballot requirements for the 2025 midterm polls set in May.

Comelec eyes completion of ballot printing by March

According to Comelec chairman George Garcia, this is equivalent to about 61 to 62 million ballots for the midterm polls. Of these numbers, only 37 million ballots have been verified, Garcia said. 

“Nasa 92 percent na po kami. Almost 6 million na lang ang kailangan imprenta. Verified sa kasalukuyan ay nasa 36 to 37 million na balota. Technically maayos naman," he said.

"Kaya lang ‘pag natapos na ang printing ng balota, gagamitin na namin mga tauhan para sa pag-verify naman ng balota na naimprenta,” Garcia added.

The Comelec chief said the commission needs to fast track the verification process.

"On the average, kailangan makapag verify tayo ng 1.2 million balota on a single day para makaabot kami sa self-imposed deadline para sa distribution ng balota,” he explained.

In previous interviews, Garcia said the commission hopes to finish the printing of the ballots by March 19 or before its self-imposed deadline of April 14.

For more news and features on Philippine elections, visit the ABS-CBN News' Halalan 2025 page.

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