Comelec defends deal with Dennis Uy-linked company F2 Logistics

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. PHOTO by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) defended its decision to enter into a contract with a company linked to a major campaign contributor of President Rodrigo Duterte to distribute the ballots, vote-counting machines (VCMs), and other supplies for the May 9, 2022 elections.

James Jimenez, spokesperson for the Comelec, guaranteed that F2 Logistics Philippines Inc., which is linked to Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy, cannot tamper with the outcome of the automated elections.

“At no point is the logistics provider able to tamper with the election outcome, either because of process safeguards or the fact that the VCMs have practically nothing to do with the results once the results have been reported out,” Jimenez said on Twitter on Tuesday.

He added that the deliveries of election equipment and supplies to the polling centers “will be witnessed and monitored closely.”

Poll watchdogs and critics have questioned a possible conflict of interest in entrusting the transportation of election materials to a major campaign donor of Mr. Duterte.

Jimenez said the Comelec’s bids and awards committee found no ground to disqualify F2 Logistics from the public bidding for conflict of interest.

The Comelec said F2 Logistics submitted the lowest bid of nearly P536 million on August. Both parties signed the contract on Oct. 29.