PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are on full alert to ensure services remain seamless during this year’s presidential polls. PLDT and Smart have prepositioned personnel and mission-critical equipment to ensure uninterrupted service across the country ahead of the May 9 elections. Quick response teams are on standby, ready to be deployed in areas that might experience service issues.  

“PLDT and Smart value the right of the Filipinos to vote. As the country’s fully integrated telecommunications company, we are in a unique position to enable Filipinos as they cast their ballots. By fortifying our network and ensuring its reach and integrity, we are steadfast in our commitment to help ensure a successful election,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.  

PLDT and Smart are closely monitoring their assets to make sure that they are operating at their optimum, especially on election day and in the crucial period of transmission of results from the vote counting machines (VCM) to the canvassing centers.  

More than 67 million registered voters are expected to participate in this year’s elections. Around 1.6 million Filipinos around the world have also registered to vote and have been casting their ballots via overseas absentee voting since April. For Filipinos residing in the country, the 2022 polls will mark the fifth time the national elections will be fully automated.   

The PLDT group’s partnership with government agencies, non-profit organizations, private groups, and the media underscores its commitment to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 16, which calls for strong institutions.