Section 26January 23, 2007, Sec./Art. 26

Section 25 of Republic Act No. 8436 is hereby amended to reads as follows:

"SEC. 31. Stakeholder education and training. - The Commission shall, not later than six months before the actual automated election exercise, undertake a widespread stakeholder education and training program, through newspaper of general circulation, radio, television and other media forms, as well as through seminars, symposia, fora and other nontraditional means, to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about the AES and inculcate values on honest, peaceful, orderly and informed elections.

"Such program shall ensure the acceptance and readiness of the following stakeholders to understand and appreciate the benefits of the AES:

1. General public/voters;

2. Commission's staff;

3. Department of Education, Department of Finance (municipal, city and provincial treasurers) and all other government agencies who will play a role in the electoral exercise;

4. Local government officials (provincial, municipal, barangay levels) ;

5. Incumbent elected officials in the legislative and executive departments;

6. Political parties and candidates;

7. Members of the military and police.

"The general public or voters training will focus on building the capability to use the automated system to cast their vote, as well as general appreciation of the AES. All other stakeholders mentioned above will receive additional information in order to build a deeper understanding of the voting, counting, canvassing procedures, so that they may act as advocates of he AES.

"The Commission together with and in support of accredited citizens' arms shall carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through newspaper of general circulation, radio and other media forms, as well as through seminars, symposia, fora and other nontraditional means to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about the AES and inculcate values on honest, peaceful and orderly election."