Why PH must adopt a parallel manual vote count system

In a democracy, few things are as fundamental as the accurate counting of votes. The legitimacy of elections — and thus the stability of a nation's political system — hinges directly upon trust in the electoral process. For the Philippines, a country with a rich democratic tradition yet persistent concerns regarding electoral transparency, adopting a parallel manual count system similar to that employed by the United States could significantly enhance the credibility and reliability of our elections.

- NIGHT OWL

The counting of votes in the United States varies depending on the locality and the technology available. Many jurisdictions use optical scanners to read paper ballots, while others employ touch-screen systems or ballot-marking devices. Despite technological differences, the common thread across these jurisdictions is the consistent presence of a manual recount and verification process. This parallel manual count serves as an essential check on automated systems, ensuring accuracy and fostering public trust.