Are PCOS machines aboveboard?

The May 20 elections is fast approaching and the legitimacy of the government is on the line. To ensure credible and honest elections, the  Commission on Elections (Comelec) plays a very crucial role.

With the advent of the precinct count optical scan or PCOS machine,  it was initially believed that the 2010 election results were honest and credible though certain provisions of the law were not seriously implemented by Comelec.

Before we hold the May 2013 elections, the Comelec should reveal and submit the source code of the machines as provided for by the law. Another concern is for the PCOS machine to provide voters with a verified digital signature to prove that what we shade in the paper ballot is what registers in the machine.

With suspicion raised about the integrity of the PCOS machine, the Comelec is duty bound to prove to the public that this machine can be trusted and cannot be hacked by unscrupulous computer experts as some sectors of our society fear.

The concerns raised by columnist Bobit Avila can  no longer be ignored. The  Comelec should answer the queries raised by various  sectors. Does the Comelec have technical personnel who can review the workings of PCOS machines?

I beg the Comelec for transparency’s sake to  answer these legitimate queries.

The Comelec should also explain why it was quick to resolve the disqualification case against Wakee Salud who wanted to run for mayor of Cordova town but is taking its sweet time in deciding the disqualification case filed against Jun Pe in Cebu City.

Is it true that one has to  pay certain amount to prod the Comelec to resolve a case filed with the  central office? Where then is the “Daang Matuwid” of President Benigno Aquino III?

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Last Friday I had the opportunity to visit Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu.  When I left the campus in Mandaue City, I noticed that the road going there has been destroyed  in preparation for repairs.

I was told the Mandaue city  government  was not informed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) about the road activity that has inconvenienced commuters.

Because of this lack of coordination,  Mandaue City has not posted traffic enforcers or signages to guide  motorists. This is  typical behavior of the DPWH. Department’s officials are inconsiderate and insensitive to local government officials.

What is the status of road repair in the highway of the North Reclamation Area that was supposedly to be finished months ago?  Until now the road can’t be used yet because they have not fixed its surroundings. When can we use the newly repaired road?

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I am happy to see  that columnist Bobby Nalzaro is back writing a column in Sun.Star.  The newspaper’s top management had suspended him for a month.

People will enjoy  reading Nalzaro again,  hopefully more courageous and bolder after the suspension.

Nalzaro said that writing was just a privilege and therefore you may be stopped anytime from writing a column.

But due process should be observed before one is suspended from writing. In any case, we’re  happy he’s  back writing again. Nyor Bobby, welcome back!