An election watchdog has called on the transmission service provider of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to prioritize the installation of Starlink transmission devices and solar panels in remote areas of Davao City with poor internet connectivity in preparation for the 2025 elections.
The Archdiocesan Citizen Engagement Committee-Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (ACE-PPCRV) questioned why most satellite transmission devices and solar panels were installed in población area where internet signals are already strong.
ACE-PPCRV emphasized that areas that are isolated geographically and disadvantaged with weak signal should be given priority.
The installation of transmission devices started on April 16, 2025. Davao City has been allocated 27 kits.
“I was told for District 2, there are only three, and District 3, either two or three, and the rest is in District 1. Alam naman natin na District 2 and 3 ang mas nangangailangan ng mga Starlink kasi nandito ang GIDA or dead spot areas,” ACE-PPCRV Spokesperson, Atty. Aileen Lizada, said.
The group has expressed concern that transmitting election results from areas with poor signal could be difficult.
“What we do not want to happen in election is non-transmission, magtatanong at magdududa ang mga tao, we don’t want that to happen,” Lizada added.
The transmission service provider has yet to issue a statement on the group’s appeal, but Lizada explained that COMELEC cannot bring the election materials to other voting centers not designated originally due to the IP address constraints.
The PPCRV asked the agencies concerned if the election materials can be repositioned or if the transmission service provider can coordinate with the poll body for additional devices for remote areas.
GMA Regional TV One is reaching out to the COMELEC for a statement, as of this writing.
By Jandi Esteban
