The Commission on Elections (Comelec), led by Chairman George Garcia, launched its nationwide distribution of Voter’s Information Sheets (VIS) in Pasay City on Wednesday morning, April 2,  in preparation for the May 12 elections.
The VIS is a four-page document containing vital information for voters such as their assigned polling precinct and location, details of where each voter is designated to cast their vote, voting procedures, and clear instructions on how to vote and properly use the vote-counting machines. The information sheet also includes a list of national, local, and party-list candidates. 

Chairman Garcia stressed the importance of meticulously reviewing the VIS and requested residents not to be skeptical when asked to sign upon receiving the VIS, as it serves as proof that voters have received the document.

“Mga pinapatanggap at pinapapirma, pirmahan niyo lang po 'yun…Ito po ay pinapareceive para may ebidensya ang tauhan ng Comelec na sadyang natanggap ninyo yung kopya ng VIS,” he explained.

Garcia also encouraged voters to use the VIS as a voting guide and to bring the document to the polling precinct on election day. Voters should exercise caution when referring to sample ballots distributed by candidates, as these may contain inaccurate information.

“Sana kapagka pupunta sila sa mismong presinto sa araw ng halalan sa Mayo 12, sana po dala dala nila yung VIS na may parang kodigo diyan na lang po yung kanilang basehan ng pagboto,” he said.

The Comelec is undertaking a massive distribution effort, with 1,667 VIS phases across the country. Each city and municipality’s VIS will contain localized information. Comelec personnel are also tasked to verify the voter addresses while distributing the VIS.

“Gagawin natin sa buong bansa napansin niyo di ganun kadali… Babahay bahayin mo infact dapat kilala na mga nakatira… Kasi may posibilidad na yung pinuntahan mong bahay tapos yung susunod pala nandun sa kabilang dulo so dapat kabisado sino ang nandyan sa bahay na yan… At the same time kung yun ba talagang tumatanggap ay representante nung lahat ng mga nakatira sa bahay na yun,” he said.

Comelec is set to deliver the VIS to over 68 million registered voters before the end of April. Weekly reports will be released to update the public on the progress of VIS distribution.

A precinct finder, which will be accessible 24/7, will be made available two weeks before the election to allow voters to easily locate their assigned polling place. Furthermore, voter assistance desks will be set up in various locations to help voters find their respective voting precincts.

Acknowledging the challenges of ensuring that the VIS reaches the correct individuals, Garcia said Comelec is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters have the necessary information they need to participate in the upcoming midterm elections.

“Challenge talaga dito yung sisiguraduhin mo na yun yung nakatira sa bahay na yan… Dyan din namin malalaman kung accurate yung address na binigay samin nung nag pa rehistro sila,” he added.