BREAK: Comelec: VCM malfunctioned, ex-VP Binay’s ballot to be refed

MANILA, Philippines—The vote-counting machine (VCM) at former Vice President Jejomar Binay’s polling precinct has malfunctioned, causing it to reject his accomplished ballot.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez confirmed this Monday after a visibly irked Binay went to the PICC Forum to complain about his rejected ballot.

READ: VCM rejects ex-VP Binay’s ballot; to file complaint at Comelec

“Initial reports had it that he was not allowed to feed the ballot anymore after the eight tries. Upon investigation, nakita natin na ang problema pala ay nasa mchine,” Jimenez said.

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay. CATHY MIRANDA / INQUIRER.net

The poll official added that the machine will be replaced and the rejected ballots, including that of Binay’s, will be refed to the new VCM.

“The machine has been replaced so ang gagawin natin, yung mga ballot na nareject will be batch fed sa (new) machine including yun kay VP Binay,” he said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)