Comelec open to going back to manual voting amid VCM glitches

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is open to return to manual voting following several issues with the automated vote counting machines (VCM).

This was the possibility raised by Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas when asked what would be the move of the poll body if there would be a call from the public to return to manual voting.

“Tingnan natin, because meron tayong standing na batas. Ang standing na batas ngayon is automated ang elections. For as long as hindi yan ma-amend, the Comelec will always see to it na ang election is automated,” Abas said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

“Pero kung ma-amend ‘yan, i-amend ng Kongreso, kung ano sabihin nila sa’min, gagawin namin. Whether it’s manual or automated,” he added

Abas was referring to Republic Act No. 9369, which amended the Automated Election Law. The said act was passed on Jan. 23, 2007 in order “to encourage transparency, credibility, fairness and accuracy of elections.”

Despite its passing in 2007, the first fully automated elections in the Philippines was held only on May 10, 2010.

IN THE KNOW: Automated Election Law

As of 10 a.m. of Tuesday, a total of 961 VCMs and 1,665 SD cards suffered glitches during the midterm polls held Monday.

Nevertheless, 1,253 SD cards have already been replaced by the poll body. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)

READ: 961 VCMs, 1,665 SD cards suffer glitches in 2019 polls — Comelec