MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has printed over 45.6 million ballots for the May 12 midterm elections, nearly 63% of the total 72 million needed.
As of Tuesday (25 Feb 2025), 22.57 million ballots were printed by Miru Systems, while the National Printing Office (NPO) produced 23.07 million. The remaining 26.4 million ballots are expected to be completed by March 9 or 10, with Miru Systems handling 14.2 million and the NPO printing 12.1 million.
The ballot printing process resumed on January 27 after initial delays.
Disqualification Case Filed Over Alleged Vote-Buying
Meanwhile, Batangas gubernatorial candidate Jay Manalo Ilagan has filed a disqualification case against CWS Party-list and its nominee Edwin Gardiola for alleged vote-buying.
The complaint stems from BarakoFest 2025 in Lipa City (Feb. 13-15), where CWS allegedly held a contest awarding three Toyota Vios cars—a move Ilagan claims violates the Omnibus Election Code’s ban on distributing valuables during the 90-day campaign period.
Comelec has yet to rule on the petition.
ia/mnm
