The Comelec en banc issued Resolution No. 7669 approving the Strategic Plan dubbed "Operation Merit: Modernization and Electoral Reforms with Integrity and Transparency.’’

It also aims to promote electoral reforms with integrity and transparency, strengthen and rationalize its administrative and regulatory capability, and empower the electorate towards a vibrant democracy.

Comelec Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos Sr. led poll officials in signing the resolution. Other signatories are Commissioners Resurreccion Z. Borra, Florentino A. Tuason Jr. and Romeo A. Brawner. Newly appointed Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento also signed the resolution.

The Strategic Plan also calls for the construction of Comelec buildings and improvement of its offices, providing its field offices with sufficient computers and other modern equipment, including internet connection, telephone lines and fax machines, preparation of election manual, registration of voters using data capturing machines, and automation of voting, counting, canvassing, consolidation and transmission of election results.

To come up with truly cleansed and updated voters’ lists, the Comelec plans to use automated fingerprint identification system and distribute high-security Comelec identification cards.