Group asks Comelec to scrap old PCOS machines

MANILA, Philippines - A consumer group asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday to scrap the old precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to erase doubt about the elections.

In a statement, the Government Watch also urged the poll body to prepare and make transparent the automated election system that it will use in the 2016 local and national polls.

“Comelec may opt to correct the remaining flaws and reuse the existing system. Better yet, it could consider the wisdom of using a new system altogether and discard the old PCOS machines,” said the group’s leader Raul Concepcion.

The Comelec is set to re-use the PCOS machines used in the 2010 and 2013 polls, as recommended by the multi-sector Comelec Advisory Council.

It will also pilot test a secondary technology in selected areas in the country and the Internet voting among overseas absentee voters.

The group noted the mechanism for election “must be of the highest credibility, especially since doubts about the results of the 2013 automated elections remain.”

It maintained the Comelec should not brush aside their recommendations, as there is still “enough time for public hearings, biddings and consultations to be conducted.”

It added there is sufficient time to generate appropriate funds, award contracts, make purchases and receive deliveries, and for installation, training of election personnel, quality control and audit.

“Most importantly, there is an open and transparent review of all hardware and software source code,” the group said. 

Meanwhile, the Comelec has decided to reset the voter’s registration for the Sangguniang Kabataan polls in some areas affected by Tropical Storm Mario and monsoon rains.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said they resolved to adopt the recommendation of Election and Barangay Affairs Department director Teopisto Elnas to reschedule the list-up in selected areas.

Citing Minute Resolution No. 14-0675, he noted the voter’s registration in Obando, Bulacan will run from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2 and from Sept. 21 to 30 in Cainta, Rizal.

In Ilocos Norte and Sur, the SK voter’s registration will be from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6.

Elnas’ recommendation was based on requests of regional election directors and assistant regional election directors in those areas.

Brillantes said the 10-day voter’s registration for SK began in the country last Sept. 20, despite the massive flooding brought about by heavy rains and two weather disturbances.

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said some 200,000 youth are supposed to sign up for the SK polls until Feb. 21 next year.

“But so far, the turnout is very low. They are not interested,” Tagle said as he reiterated that the poll body maintains its position that the SK should be abolished.

At the minimum, the Comelec wants SK elections to be synchronized with the barangay polls in October 2016, as the agency is already deep in preparations for the 2016 polls.

“For us, it is enough that there are youth representatives in the barangay from the student council or youth organizations. No need for SK,” he said.

The Comelec believes that the SK has not served its purpose of being a training ground for youth on good governance.

Aside from this, SK had only exposed the youth to political bickering and budget mismanagement and had propagated political dynasty since those becoming SK leaders are usually children or relatives of barangay or local officials.