We write in connection with a news article published in your esteemed newspaper last Dec. 28, entitled “Comelec wants to test one more vote counting machine” and written by reporter Mayen Jaymalin.
In the aforementioned article, it is erroneously stated that the Comelec “wants to try out one more vote counting machine before choosing which VCM to use in the May 16 elections.” The undersigned was also mistakenly quoted therein that the Comelec is “opening its doors early for those interested in showing their VCM to the Commission.”
Please be informed that the Comelec is not conducting another test of “one more” vote counting machine and that the report as stated in the article that the Comelec supposedly “wants” to do this before choosing which VCM to use in the coming elections is a complete falsity.
To clarify, what the Comelec is conducting right now is to accept and accommodate requests from interested groups or organizations, for demonstration of the VCMs that we will be using in the coming elections.
As we have clearly stated during our press conference last Dec. 22, the Comelec may, upon request, demonstrate the VCMs to interested groups or organizations, as part of the Commission’s mandate to educate the public on the automated election system.
Parties need only send an email of their request for VCM demonstration to the Comelec at aesdemonstration@gmail.com. – JAMES JIMENEZ, Director, Education and Information Department, Comelec