ACE-COM DAVAO Ensures Transparent and Orderly Elections

Davao City, Philippines – The Archdiocesan Citizens Engagement Committee of Davao (ACE-COM), comprised of the Archdiocesan Social Action Center and the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), recognized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as its election watchdog in Davao City, is taking the initiative to ensure transparency and integrity of the upcoming May 12, 2025 Midterm elections.

ACE-COM/PPCRV Davao Spokesperson and Legal Team Head, Atty. Aileen Lizada aired concern about the delivery of Starlink materials and solar panels to a private residence in Buhangin, Davao City on April 6, Sunday.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. The recent delivery of such materials has raised concerns, and we are taking this matter seriously,” Lizada said.

“We appreciate the strong cooperation we have received from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) XI, who have been responsive to our inquiries and have worked with us to address any technical issues, in coordination with their Central Office,” she added.

To further ensure electoral integrity, ACE-PPCRV Davao will host a forum on April 29, 2025, entitled “Ensuring Electoral Integrity: The Role of Automated Counting Machines in Honest and Orderly Elections.” The event will focus on transparency, which is essential to upholding the credibility of the electoral process.

Lizada revealed that regarding the delivery of Starlink materials and solar panels, ACE-COM/PPCRV Davao was not initially notified about the transport of these items, which ended up at a private residence that, according to iONE, serves as their “staging hub.”

However, Lizada and other members of the ACE-COM/PPCRV Davao were asked to witness the handover of 37 solar panels and Starlink materials for Davao City early of Monday, April 7, 2025. “We are currently verifying the number of additional items expected and have requested COMELEC XI for an audit report on the materials involved,” Lizada added.

Moreover, she urged iONE to improve coordination with COMELEC XI and ensure that all actions are communicated transparently to the public. “The trust of the Davao electorate depends on the clarity and credibility of this election process,” Lizada stated.

On behalf of ACE-COM/PPCRV Davao, Lizada affirmed commitment to promoting electoral integrity and transparency, “working together with our partners to ensure that the 2025 elections in Davao City are free, fair, and trustworthy.”