By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(October 5, 2024) – A coalition on Saturday raised concerns after a private firm withdrew as a contracting partner of the Philippines’ service provider for next year’s midterm elections.
Right to Know, Right Now (R2KRN) stressed that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) must address the exit of Saint Timothy Construction Corporation (STCC) from its joint venture with Miru Systems of South Korea.
“The integrity and credibility of the election system—and by extension, the election itself—depend on a contract that is carried out in full compliance with legal, ethical, and procedural standards,” said R2KRN in a statement.
It furthered that the Comelec must clarify the “continuing liability” of the construction company since it played a “crucial financing role” in Miru Systems winning the contract bid worth P18 billion last February.
“This legal commitment should ensure that STCC remains accountable for any breaches of contract or failure in performance, even after its departure,” added R2KRN.
Last Thursday, STCC withdrew from the joint venture with Miru Systems, citing a conflict of interest due to its owners running in the 2025 midterm elections.
In a radio interview last Friday, the Comelec explained that the withdrawal of STCC will not affect next year’s polls since there are still two other local financiers.
R2KRN, however, refuted the Comelec’s claim, stating that STCC had the largest financial capacity.
“STCC was responsible for ensuring that the joint venture could meet its contractual obligations, including the delivery of voting machines and technical services for the 2025 elections,” said the coalition. “With the withdrawal of STCC, can the remaining joint venture partners still meet the financial and technical demands of the contract?”
Last May, the Supreme Court ordered the Comelec and Miru Systems to explain their multi-billion deal after former lawmaker Edgar Erice questioned its legality due to an allegedly skewed bidding process.
(PM)
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