The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and TV5 Network Inc. have forged a partnership for the faster dissemination of vital information in connection with the May 2016 Presidential elections.

As part of its corporate social responsibility program, TV5 will provide computer hardware and equipment for the Comelec’s voter’s information campaign, precinct finder program and its count on Election Day. The equipment will augment Comelec’s own existing infrastructure.

TV5, for its part, will develop an app where voter’s can check on the status and find their precinct until Election Day.

The memorandum of agreement was signed on December 16, 2015 by Comelec Chairman Atty. J. Andres Bautista and TV5 President Emmanuel C. Lorenzana.

Chairman Bautista stressed TV5 and media in general play a key role in ensuring the elections are transparent and accountable. “Kami sa Comelec ay natutuwa sa malaking pagtulong ng TV5 sa ating halalan sa 2016. Napakahalaga ang tungkulin ng media sa paninigurado na ang ibat ibang bagay tungkol sa ating halalan ay ipinapaalam sa ating publiko,” Chairman Bautista said.

“Kami sa Comelec ay committed to the principles of transparency, efficiency and accountability and nakikita namin na ang media ay isa sa mga ating pinakamahalagang mga partners para masigurado na maging transparent at accountable and ating halalan sa 2016,” he added.

TV5 President Lorenzana stressed the need for the people to exercise their right to vote and to be involved in the elections. “Napaka importante para sa TV5 na makatulong; na sabi nga ni Chairman sa transparent, informed decision making ng mga Filipino. At ito ay consistent sa TV5 slogan ng Bilang Pilipino: dalawa ang meaning nyan: bilang ay tamang bilang dahil sa tulong ng media and of course bilang Pilipino as a Filipino it is our duty to actually vote and this is for the future of the country.,” Lorenzana said. “Nagpapasalamat kami na nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na maging parte ng napaka – importaneng event sa susunod na taon,” Lorenzana added.