Despite minor technical issues during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, no Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) in Apayao required replacement with contingency units on Election Day, according to the provincial technical hubs in Conner and Luna.
This was confirmed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Miru Systems Co. Ltd., and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which jointly monitored the automated voting system deployed in the province.
While isolated issues such as scanner and feeder malfunctions were reported in some polling places, these were resolved on-site using contingency protocols outlined in Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolutions No. 11101 and 11128. None of the incidents led to prolonged disruption.
The only machine that required replacement was the ACM assigned to Shalom Elementary School in Luna. It was swapped out during the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) on May 6–7 due to a printer malfunction days before Election Day.
With all machines functioning properly on Election Day itself, election stakeholders attributed the smooth conduct of the polls to the close coordination between DICT, Miru, DOST, COMELEC and other partner agencies. By Jess Christley Marquez
