Miru apologizes to House for not being able to show poll counting machines

COMELEC – MIRU / MARCH 11, 2024 Miru Systems president Chung Jin Bok during the P 18-billion contract signing between Commission on Election and Miru Systems Co. Ltd. for lease of an automated election system to be used in the 2025 national and local midterm elections. The South Korean firm will provide customizable systems and software, transparent and secure ballot printing, and technical support for the leased machines and systems. Miru Systems was the sole bidder for the lease of a Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (Fastrac) to Comelec. INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. apologized on Tuesday for not attending the demonstration of its counting machines at the House of Representatives.

According to the company, it did not mean to disregard the lawmakers who wanted to check the capability of Miru.

READ: Miru called out for skipping hearing on new automated poll system

“Miru Systems would like to apologize for not being able to attend the scheduled demonstration with the Philippine House of Representatives today. We meant no disrespect to the honorable members of Congress who share our commitment to honest and transparent electoral systems,” Miru said in a statement.

The firm was chosen by the Commission on Elections to provide the system for the 2025 midterm elections.

Miru added it is customizing based on the recommendations of the Comelec and other entities.

“After having met the requirements of the terms of reference during the bidding and post-qualification process, we are in the process of customization based on inputs from the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other stakeholders,” it said.

“We had hoped to be able to demonstrate these machines at the House of Representatives once they were ready. This was also mentioned by COMELEC Chairman George Garcia in his letter to the House of Representatives today,” it added.

The group likewise said that it will coordinate with the Comelec to reschedule the demonstration of the machines.

READ: Solons hit Comelec for not getting the side of Miru Systems’ foreign critics

“We understand that the House of Representatives would like to observe the base machines and discuss with us any concerns they may have. We will coordinate with the COMELEC so that we may immediately schedule this session soonest, as we are ready and committed to showing the integrity and performance of our machines,” Miru said.