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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd logs 160 election-related incidents: VCM glitches, teacher health issues top concerns

DepEd logs 160 election-related incidents: VCM glitches, teacher health issues top concerns

Published May 12, 2025 02:46 pm

The Department of Education (DepEd) received over a hundred election-related incident reports from across the country on Monday, May 12, with most of these incidents involving vote counting machine (VCM) malfunctions, missing names on voters' lists, and health-related concerns affecting teachers and poll workers.

Residents of Las Piñas City District 2 cast their votes at TS Cruz Elementary School in Las Piñas City on May 12, 2025. (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)

As of 1:30 p.m., DepEd Media Relations Chief Dennis Legaspi said that the 160 reported incidents were submitted through the DepEd Election Command Center and are now under active resolution in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government partner agencies.

“Nakatanggap na ang DepEd Election Command Center ng 160 ulat mula sa mga field offices, karamihan ay may kinalaman sa mga isyu sa vote counting machines, nawawalang pangalan sa listahan ng botante, at health-related concerns ng mga guro at personnel (The DepEd Election Command Center has received 160 reports from field offices, most of which are related to issues with vote counting machines, missing names on the voter list, and health-related concerns of teachers and personnel),” Legaspi said.

In response to the growing number of incidents, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara directed the department’s Election Task Force (ETF) to intensify its coordination and support efforts.

Undersecretary Malcolm Garma, who leads the task force, is working closely with regional and division ETF teams to address issues swiftly—especially those affecting the safety and welfare of teachers serving as electoral board members and support staff.

Legaspi said DepEd is also coordinating with other agencies, such as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to resolve the reported election-related issues.

“Ang mga ulat ay kaagad na tinutugunan sa koordinasyon ng COMELEC, PNP, at iba pang mga katuwang na ahensya upang masiguro ang maayos, ligtas, at tapat na halalan (The reports are immediately being addressed in coordination with the COMELEC, PNP, and other partner agencies to ensure a smooth, safe, and honest election),” he explained.

Vote for ‘good people’

Angara voted at around 7:20 a.m. at Aurora National High School in Brgy. Reserva, Baler, Aurora.

He thanked teachers and poll workers for their service during the 2025 midterm elections and urged everyone to: "Please go out and vote for good people."

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara casts his vote at Reserva Elementary School in Baler, Aurora (Photo from DepEd)

In a statement issued on May 11, Angara said DepEd “stands firm in protecting our teachers and ensuring that they are never alone as they carry out this vital civic duty.”

“With the full support of the President and the trust of the Filipino people, we are ready to respond, assist, and uphold the integrity of this election,” he added.

DepEd also reminded all officials and personnel to “strictly observe non-partisanship in line with civil service rules,” reiterating its unwavering commitment to uphold democratic values and public trust.

DepEd activates election command center

In support of President Marcos’ call for clean, honest, and peaceful elections, the DepEd Central Office activated its Election Command Center at TechZone, Makati City.

The Command Center is fully operational from May 11 at 1 p.m. until May 13 at 5 p.m. to ensure a rapid, 24/7 response to the needs of teaching and non-teaching personnel serving in the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

Supported by its Central Office, Regional Offices, and Schools Division counterparts, the Command Center will serve as the national coordination hub for the DepEd ETF.

DepEd Central Office activated its Election Command Center at TechZone, Makati City. (Photo from DepEd) 

For the first time, the ETF is operating with a dedicated allocation under the General Appropriations Act, backed by a P99.3 million budget to support the Department’s election-related operations.

The ETF deploys specialized teams nationwide to conduct real-time monitoring, provide legal support, manage hotlines and help desk operations, respond to incidents, and oversee post-election reporting.

These teams work to protect personnel welfare, facilitate coordination with the COMELEC, and ensure swift and appropriate resolution of field concerns.

The DepEd Central Office ETF can be reached through these hotlines: (02) 8633-1940; (02) 8638-3703; (02) 8638-1780; (02) 8633-7256; (02) 8633-7202; (02) 8633-7213; (02) 8638-4044; (02) 8635-3761, and the Globe line: (02) 7908-0374.

Related Tags

DepEd DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara DepEd Election Task Force 2025 elections Matalinong Boto 2025
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