The election officer of this city advised candidates to use the Holy Week break to reflect and to physically prepare themselves for more activities related to the May 12 elections.

Interviewed on the sidelines of Leaders Forum at Baguio Country Club on Monday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Baguio election officer John Paul Martin reminded candidates that campaigning is prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

“Bawal po ang magkampanya ngayong Holy Week. Gamitin na lang natin ang panahon para magnilay-nilay, mangilin para next week ready na ulit bumalik sa kampanya na naka-rejuvenate (Campaigning is prohibited during the Holy Week so let us use the time to reflect and rest so that we will come back rejuvenated),” he said.

The Holy Week campaign prohibition includes the wearing of campaign shirts, Martin added.

Meanwhile, HE expressed confidence that most, if not all, voters in Baguio City have attended the briefing on how to use the automated counting machines (ACM) that will be utilized in the midterm elections.

“I am confident because we have conducted 58 ACM testing activities in December and January. Halos na-ikot namin ang lahat ng schools, sa offices, mga political parties, groups kaya mapapabilis ang pagboto (We went to schools, offices, political parties and groups, so the voting process will be fast,” he said.

If all the ACMs would function properly on May 12, they could proclaim the local winners by 10 p.m. of the same day. (PNA)