Comelec, PPCRV choose 1,145 precincts for random manual audit

MANILA, Philippines - Using a recycled tambiolo, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chose yesterday 1,145 precincts that would be covered by the random manual audit.

PPCRV chair Henrietta de Villa said they had planned to buy a tambiolo, but backed out upon learning that it would cost P42,000.

The PPCRV is tasked to lead a technical working group that will conduct the random manual audit immediately after the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines shut down.

Various electoral reform groups, civil organizations and legislators demanded the audit to test the accuracy of the PCOS machines that would automatically count the ballots.

While Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law mandates that only one precinct per legislative district should be covered by the random manual audit, the Comelec extended it to five.

De Villa said 350 barangays were excluded from the random manual audit because “there are only three trips a day in those areas and the transportation fare is more than P500.”

Low voter turnout

The PPCRV said there are at least five Catholic dioceses in the country with low voter turnout because they were discouraged by the long queues at polling places.

PPCRV media communications director Ana de Villa-Singson said in Abra, only 50 percent of registered voters stayed in line and cast their votes.

The PPCRV also noted a low turnout in San Pablo, Laguna with 40 percent; Lingayen-Dagupan, Pangasinan, with 30 percent; Dumaguete, 40 percent; Virac, Catanduanes, 45 percent.

Gumaca, Quezon got the highest percentage of voter turnout with 80 percent, it said.

Despite grim predictions on the use of the PCOS machines, the bulk of the problem was centered on long queues and vote-buying incidents.

PPCRV secretary-general Bro. Clifford Sorita said two hours before precincts closed yesterday, many people had decided to go home because of the long lines.