Field testing of poll machines successful - Comelec

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared yesterday that the field tests of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines were generally successful despite some minor glitches.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal told a press briefing that the initial test conducted at the polling precinct at the Aguho Elementary School in Pateros failed to transmit the ballots that had been pre-marked.

He said the machine was able to transmit the data after the SIM card was replaced with a new one. “It was able to transmit data, so it means the system works.”

The field tests were conducted in 10 polling precincts in Pateros, Taguig City, Bakun in Benguet, Naga City, Cebu, and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato to determine if the machines could count and transmit ballots to canvassing centers.

Larrazabal said the mobile and satellite network systems were used in the field tests.

The Comelec, however, did not identify the telecommunication company that supplied the defective SIM card.

The poll body will conduct another field test in Taguig and Pateros on Friday.

Larrazabal added that some members of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Automation, and representatives of other concerned groups plan to witness the field test.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said more tests would be done on the SIM cards that would be used for the elections on May 20 to avoid any glitches.

Jimenez assured the public that the Comelec would have enough “back up” SIM cards on Election Day.

Comelec director for Metro Manila Michael Dioneda said that Comelec personnel did not have any problem during the transmission.