The Commission on Elections has come out with a resolution on "Rules and Procedures for the Testing and Sealing of The Precinct Count Optical Scan Machines."

Here are some of the more important points:

• SECTION 1. Period for testing and sealing of PCOS machines. – At least three (3) days before April 10, 2010 in the case of overseas absentee voting, or before the May 10, 2010 national and local elections, in the case of the elections here in the Philippines, the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI)/Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) shall convene in their assigned polling places to test and seal the PCOS machines.
• SEC. 8. PCOS machines to be opened on May 10, 2010 or on April 10, 2010 for overseas absentee voting. – PCOS machines shall only be opened on May 10, 2010 or, for overseas voting, on April 10, 2010, and before the voting starts and in the presence of watchers, if any.

The document provides specific details on how the testing and sealing will be carried  out. Those who are really interested in knowing the procedures may review the resolution in the Comelec's website.

On another matter, the Commission has already posted digital copies of the ballot templates in its website. This was done on the request of some candidates who wish to come out with  their own sample ballots. The Comelec's decision is stated in Resolution No. 8760.

The ballot templates may be viewed on the Comelec website as well. Voters are advised to check them out. Just follow these links:

• National Ballot Template for non-ARMM areas
• National Ballot Template for ARMM areas
• Local Ballot Templates