Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the high court did not nullify the contract with Miru Systems, but merely clarified the extent of the commission's power in the bidding process.
"The Supreme Court said that (Smartmatic) should not have been disqualified that early but everything after the disqualification is valid. This means that the awarding and procurement after the disqualification are valid," he said.
Until the Court issues a temporary restraining order against the Comelec, Garcia said the poll body will continue with scheduled activities as even a day's delay in their preparations could adversely impact the conduct of automated elections next year.
He noted that Miru Systems was set to start the manufacturing of the 110,000 automated counting machines yesterday.
This story is from the April 19, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 19, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Consunji Group maps out recovery plan for Cemex
The Consunji Group has mapped out a strategic plan to revitalize listed cement maker Cemex Holdings Philippines (CHP).
NEDA pushes phaseout of single-use plastic
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the phaseout of singleuse plastics and investments to improve waste management with the country's total daily waste projected to rise to 194,138 metric tons by 2055.
Gov't readies for surge in cruise tourism
The Philippines expects to welcome at least 300,000 travelers from cruise ships this year - more than triple from 2023-as the government prepares for their entry by building dedicated terminals in tourist sites.
Recto sees at least 5.8% GDP growth in Q1
The Philippine economy may expanded by at least 5.8 percent to as much as 6.3 percent in the first quarter as inflation remained a concern for the government.
Inflation likely breached upper 4% target in April
Headline inflation is expected to settle within the range of 3.5 to 4.3 percent in April, from a three-month high of 3.7 percent in March, possibly breaching the upper four percent target of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
CHOCO FLIES HIGH
Choco Mucho has broken the Creamline curse.
Ukraine woman, 98, walks 10 km under shelling from Russians
DONETSK (Reuters) - A 98-year-old Ukrainian woman said she walked 10 kilometers under shelling, supporting herself with sticks and sleeping on the ground, leaving Ocheretyne in Donetsk, now occupied by Russia, and trying to reach areas controlled by Kyiv.
Thailand reels under heatwave
BANGKOK - Thailand is reeling under a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs in some areas and the authorities warned of harsher weather in the coming days, according to a report in Bloomberg on Monday.
Houthis attack 4 ships in Indian Ocean, Red Sea
DUBAI CAIRO (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthis said they targeted the MSC Orion container ship in a drone attack in the Indian Ocean as part of their ongoing campaign against international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians against Israel's military actions in Gaza.
US, UK urge Hamas to accept Israeli truce deal
RIYADH (Reuters) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.