Comelec to decide Smartmatic fate this week

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will decide this week whether it will hold a public bidding or just enter into a negotiated contract with Smartmatic for the refurbishing of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to be used in the 2016 elections.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the poll body is coming out with the resolution concerning the refurbishing of 80,000 PCOS machines.

“We have had meetings in the en banc already and we will come out with the decision probably by Tuesday,” he added.

Brillantes also said he is not aware what the final decision will be, but it is unlikely to be unanimous.

Comelec’s Law Department earlier opined that the poll body can exercise the extended warranty provided by Smartmatic as long as the firm can prove that it is the only one that can provide the necessary services to PCOS machines.

If Smartmatic cannot prove exclusivity, Comelec has to hold a public bidding for the repair of the PCOS units.

Brillantes said it would be better for the Comelec to enter into a negotiated contract instead of holding public bidding due to time constraints. But he gave assurances that the Comelec is looking into all issues concerning Smartmatic.

Election watchdog group Citizens for Clean and Credible Elections (C3E) has insisted that the Comelec should hold public bidding since the government is already the owner of the PCOS machines.