Pimentel slams Comelec over malfunctioning VCMs

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Koko Pimentel on Monday assailed the Commission of Elections (Comelec) amid numerous reports of malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs) on election day.

Citing data from Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, Pimentel said 16 barangays (villages) out of 50 have malfunctioning VCMs and SD cards.

Pimentel said the barangays that reported VCM problems were Larayan, Napo, Potol, Talisay (3 VCMs), Potungan (2 VCMs), Taguilon, Masidlakon, Sigayan, San Vicente, San Pedro, Tag-olo, Oro, Dawo, Antipolo, Santo Niño and Aliguay.

Pimentel questioned the Comelec which earlier reported that it is ready for the midterm elections and that VCMs have undergone final tests.

READ: ELECTION EVE: All systems go for the polls, says gov’t
 

“Too many reports of malfunctioning VCMs nationwide. Hence the question to ask now is: Why did Comelec report that all VCMs passed the diagnostic tests?” Pimentel pointed out.

Aside from Zamboanga del Norte, VCM malfunctions were also reported in other parts of the country.

In Metro Manila, malfunctions were experienced in the cities of Pasig, Makati, and San Juan only hours after polling precincts opened.

READ: VCM glitches mar voting in Pasig, Makati and San Juan
 

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that replacement machines have been sent to affected precincts. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)