Poll system still not certified as compliant with law

MANILA, Philippines - Nine days before the May 9 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not yet secured a certification that the automated election system (AES) is compliant with the poll automation law. 

According to former Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, the multi-sector Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) has not certified that the AES, “including its hardware and software components, is operating properly, securely and accurately.” 

“Considering the numerous tests required and the decision of the Supreme Court mandating the issuance of (voter) receipts, there might have been a reason for no submission,” he added.

Larrazabal noted that if the TEC does not issue a certification, “the Comelec is mandated to submit a letter to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC) on automated polls” to explain the non-submission a month before the elections. 

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez confirmed that TEC has not yet issued a certification.

He explained that the pre-logistics and accuracy tests (Prelat) have just been completed so results still had to be evaluated by the TEC.

Under the law, the certification must be issued 90 days before election day. 

In an earlier interview, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista assured the public that even without the certification, the poll body could conduct the elections provided there is justifiable explanation for the delay.  

‘Precinct Finder’ offline

Meanwhile, voters cannot check their registration status and polling precincts through the Precinct Finder at the official website of the Comelec.

Jimenez said that official website www.comelec.gov.ph would remain offline to prevent any intrusion. 

Voters can inquire about their registration and polling precincts through Comelec hotlines.

“The team will be available for as long as it is needed. The landline number is 525-9296 while our SMS query line is 0918-566-8301. They can also ask thru @comelec for Twitter and @comelec.ph for Facebook,” Jimenez said.

Precinct Finder is an application that contains the voters’ data, including their full names, birthdates, addresses and registration status.