The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has granted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the access to its command center and personnel in relation to all election-related activities for the May 12 midterm polls.
The extent of the access allowed by the MMDA was stipulated in the memorandum of agreement signed between acting chairman Don Artes and Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Aside from its command center and personnel, the MOA said that the Comelec could also use MMDA's body-worn cameras for documenting election-related activities; two-way radios and other communication devices essential for field coordination; and trucks and other vehicles.
On the use of body-worn cameras, Garcia explained that they opted to request for the inclusion of the MMDA personnel using them as they are more experienced in using the gadgets.
“Chairman Artes offered to lend us the body-worn cameras but I told him that it would be better if he includes the traffic enforcers because they know better how to operate them,” said Garcia.
The same agreement stated that the MMDA shall assign necessary personnel to assist Comelec in the conduct of the various election- related activities, and designate two representatives at the Comelec Command Center.
The MMDA also committed to assist the Comelec in removing illegal campaign materials in Metro Manila.
Artes said the partnership between the two agencies are regularly done during the election period.
“Under this agreement, we will expand our partnership wherein the assets of MMDA will be under the disposal of Comelec during election period to ensure clean, honest and transparent elections which are essential to our democracy,” said Artes.
Garcia, for his part, the MMDA assistance is essential for its well-established monitoring and communications system in Metro Manila.
Outside Metro Manila, he said they will be tapping the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies.