PCOS concerns lower by half in 2013 polls, says PPCRV exec

MANILA, Philippines – Problems relating to the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines were diminished by half in the 2013 elections because people are now familiar with the system, an election watchdog said on Tuesday.

Most of the PCOS-related concerns were also attended to said the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), which worked with the Commission of Elections on Monday.

“Nangalahati [It was halved] this time, and I would like to think it’s because may karanasan na sa [they are now familiar with the] PCOS since it’s the second time around, Alam na mga problemang dapat antabayanan at subaybayan [They know the problems that need to be anticipated and watched],” Ana De Villa-Singson, media director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said.

“It looks many of the PCOS machine issues were addressed and if you’re looking at the numbers, mukhang nakahalati [looks like they were halved],” she added.

There was also less incidents of violence in some of the election hotspots in the country, according to provincial reports reaching PPCRV.

“There was less violence in the so-called hotspots and this coincides with what has been reported by the Philippine National Police,” said Singson.

But, of course, she added, this didn’t mean that there were zero casualties in these elections.

“We have an assessment from Lanao. You know Lanao, it’s a controlled area, there’s a lot of violence. The report said: 3 grenade explosions, 5 shootouts, 4 killed but generally peaceful,” said Singson.

“Maybe they compared 2010 when there were a lot of incidents. I guess we should be grateful that the incidence of violence is lower but it would be better if there was none,” she said.