LGUs back use of ACMs in 2007 polls

Local chief executives urged yesterday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to utilize the mothballed automated counting machines (ACMs) instead of bidding for another set to be used for next year’s midterm elections.

Local officials led by Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) said the Comelec has to make use of the ACMs instead of purchasing new untested machines, considering the time left in preparation for next year’s polls.

"We are endorsing the use of the ACMs in the 2007 elections because they were certified as accurate and functional by the Department of Science and Technology," Aumentado said.

The League of Cities, Philippine Councilors League and the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines endorsed ULAP’s call for the use of the ACMs.

The Comelec is eyeing the use of "5-in -1" or multi-functional machines that could carry out all the desired processes for next year’s automated elections.

Comelec Commissioner Resurreccion Borra said a technical committee is looking for firms capable of providing the machines that could cover all the tasks required during the elections.

Congress has yet to approve the bill calling for partial computerization of elections next year.

Comelec said it is ready to implement automated elections in certain areas if the bicameral committee of Congress would be able to pass the proposed measure by the end of November.

The Comelec added that they are now making the necessary preparations in anticipation of the passage of the proposed measure.

However, the poll body said it could also implement only the electronic transmission and canvassing if they would not be able to find the multi-functional technology.

For the meantime, the Comelec is still keeping 1,991 ACMs worth P1.3 billion it had purchased from MegaPacific, which was supposed to be used for the 2004 elections.

The Supreme Court, however, declared the purchase contract illegal and disadvantageous to the government.

Aumentado pointed out the ACMs coming from MegaPacific had been thoroughly examined and certified by technical experts of the DOST.

Aumentado said the Comelec should take the opportunity to use the ACMs since perfecting the computerization of the electoral system will take some time, although it is achievable.