Did P19.4-B election system flop? Eight incredible outcomes show it

GOTCHA

- JARIUS BONDOC

Comelec broke its own rules on transparency last May 12th. It bypassed its poll watchdogs, the media and political parties. It alone consolidated the votes, then fed the results to the public that was tired and wanted to move on.

A group of multifaith bishops, retired generals and civil society leaders is asking Comelec to explain what happened.

Without credible answers, the P19.4-billion automated election system—used only for one day—would have gone to waste.

Atty. Alex Lacson presented "eight grave concerns" about the balloting on May 12th. Last Wednesday's forum was organized by Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, Alyansa ng Nagkaka-Isang Mamamayan and civil society.

(1) On Dec. 13, 2024, Comelec issued "ACM (automated counting machines) Operation Procedures." It states: "10. Tap 'Start Transmission' button and then it will proceed with the transmission to the following servers:

But on Election Day, all precinct returns were not sent directly to PPCRV, Namfrel and media, but went through an intermediary server, Lacson said. Results were consolidated before being sent to PPCRV, Namfrel and media.

This was in violation of Comelec's own Resolution 11098. The intermediary server was not among those listed to receive results from the ACMs.

(2) Comelec alone consolidated the results from all 93,287 precincts nationwide, Lacson noted. No participation of PPCRV, Namfrel and the media.