The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to use the agency’s Communications and Command Center (CCC), manpower, equipment, and resources for the upcoming midterm elections.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the poll body will determine unlawful election materials, while the MMDA will assist in removing these.
Garcia signed the agreement with MMDA Chairman Don Artes, who said “it is an important step toward ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and fairly.”
Under the MOA, the MMDA command center will be used as a hub for Comelec’s coordinating activities.
“We will give the Comelec access to CCC and Mobile Command Center to facilitate real-time monitoring. We will also provide our equipment such as deployable cameras and body-worn cameras, radios, and other communication devices to be deployed in critical areas for election-related monitoring and communication activities during the midterm elections next year,” Artes said.
“Also, aside from the deployment of our trained personnel for traffic assistance, MMDA will assign necessary manpower to assist election officers of the NCR and Comelec Main Office in carrying out the teardown and removal of unlawful election materials,” he added.
The MMDA will designate a representative to give logistical assistance at the Comelec Command Center, Final Testing and Sealing, International Observation, Mock Elections, and other related activities for NLE 2025. Additionally, MMDA officers will provide storage for confiscated materials if deemed necessary.
For his part, Garcia extended his gratitude to the MMDA for its unwavering support to them.
“Every election, we have always been collaborating with MMDA. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Chairman Artes for allowing us to use the agency’s resources for operations here in Metro Manila so that we can effectively ensure transparency throughout the election period,” Garcia said.
Comelec will designate a computer station at the Command Center, guaranteeing the proper use of facilities and coordinating technical assistance, equipment, transportation, and storage devices at docking stations.
