Customs: We won’t delay release of Comelec counting machines

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday assured that it will not delay the release of the counting machines and other things needed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the upcoming May 2016 elections.

Earlier, the Comelec said some 24, 000 vote counting machines (VCMs) are still stuck at the BOC.

The Comelec said it is important that the VCMs be release because they will be tested to ensure that they will function smoothly come election time.

BOC Deputy Commissioner Arturo Lachica said most of the VCMs have been released.

“Almost all that were brought to our attention are already released at the port,” Lachica said at a press conference.

“Kung may parating, eh di iri-release, mabilis. We will not delay that has something to do with Comelec. We will move it with dispatch, with speed,” Lachica said.

Lachica said Comelec is also exempt from duties and taxes.

“Cargos are exempt if it is consigned with Comelec,” he said.