Comelec to bid out P10-M voter registration machines

MANILA, Philippines - As voter registration for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections ends on April 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has earmarked at least P10.1 million for the procurement of more voter registration machines and peripherals.

The Comelec’s bids and awards committee (BAC) said interested parties have until Feb. 13 to submit their bids for the project.

Bidders should show proof that they have completed a similar contract within five years from the date of the submission and receipt of the bids.

The winning bidder will supply the Comelec with 130 units each of desktop computers worth P4.19 million; uninterruptible power supplies units worth P358,800; web cameras, P59,377; signature pads, P598,143 and fingerprint scanners, P4.91 million.

“Bidding is exclusive for Filipinos, sole proprietorships, partnerships or organizations with at least 60 percent interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to Filipinos and to citizens or organizations of a country whose laws or regulations grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens,” the Comelec said.

The BAC will conduct a pre-bid conference on Jan. 30 to discuss the eligibility requirement and technical and financial components of the project.

The poll body is expecting some five million people to sign up for the synchronized polls.  

New Comelec building

As this developed, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista is hoping the poll body can transfer to its own building in Pasay City before his term ends in 2022.  

At yesterday’s launch of the so-called Comelec Village, Bautista said they have asked Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar to help the Comelec construct the building.

“There is a DPWH team that will help the Comelec. The first step is the design and architecture plan. We have purchased a lot on Macapagal Avenue near the SM Mall of Asia where our building will be constructed. I hope this will be finished under my administration,” he said.