Comelec won’t use MegaPacific ACMs next year

They may be available and usable, but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not using the controversial automated counting machines (ACMs) in the coming May 2007 elections.

Comelec Education and Information Department (EID) director James Jimenez said the Comelec will abide by the Supreme Court ruling not to use the automated machines.

"We are not insisting on using the 1,991 ACMs procured for the 2004 elections, the Comelec respects the SC ruling on the matter," Jimenez said in a statement.

Jimenez also said the Comelec is still eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Bicameral Conference Committee’s deliberations on the proposed Automated Election System (AES) bills.

He said the Comelec remains hopeful that the 2007 elections can be automated, even if only on a limited scale.

Earlier, Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos said the poll body can no longer implement end-to-end computerized elections in 2007 due to lack of time.

But Abalos said the Comelec could still implement electronic transmission of the results of the midterm elections if the Bicameral Committee passes the AES by this month.

Abalos said the form of automation to be adopted in 2007 will be based on the amendments to be adopted by the Bicameral committee.

"We hope the bicam(eral) deliberations will be fruitful so that we can begin work on automation as soon as possible," Abalos said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec assured the people that their rights will not be violated despite the strict implementation of the Comelec firearms ban and other prohibitions in connection with the coming elections.

Abalos said the Comelec will set up checkpoints in each municipality so the firearms ban can be effectively implemented.