Final testing, sealing of VCMs for Cavite special polls to be done at precincts —Comelec exec

The final sealing and testing of the vote-counting machines (VCMs) for the special elections in Cavite's seventh district will be conducted inside the polling centers on February 16, Commission on Elections Deputy Executive Director Rafael Olaño said Wednesday.

"Katulad ng mga nakaraang eleksyon na automated, meron din po tayong final testing and sealing na kung saan tine-test muna namin 'yung mga machines na gagamitin kung tama 'yung pagbilang. So ang final testing and sealing ay mangyayari sa mga polling centers," he said in a press briefing during the kickoff of the ballot printing for the February 25 special polls in Cavite.

Olaño explained that the Comelec officials decided to hold the final testing and sealing of the VCMs on February 16 as the polling centers are being used as classrooms.

The Comelec will also deliver the 55,184 ballots for the special polls on February 15, he added.

After the VCMs are tested and sealed, Olaño said, they will be stored in the schools and guarded by the police and representatives of political parties and citizens' groups.

Meanwhile, Olaño said the random manual audit will be conducted in two precincts.

Earlier, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body will hold the random manual audit for the Cavite special elections inside the precincts.

A random manual audit checks the performance of VCMs and examines ballots to validate accuracy.

The Comelec will hold the special election in Cavite's seventh congressional district on February 25 to fill the seat vacated by Jesus Crispin Remulla to take the post of Justice Secretary.

The following candidates are vying for the post:

• Jose Angelito Domingo Aguinaldo (Independent)
• Melencio Loyola De Sagun, Jr. (Independent)
• Crispin Diego Diaz Remulla (National Unity Party)
• Michael Angelo Bautista Santos (Independent)

The seventh congressional district of Cavite covers the municipalities of Amadeo, Indang and Tanza, and the City of Trece Martires. — BM, GMA Integrated News