DOUBTFUL? | Hontiveros questions credibility of selected firm for automated voting system

March 19, 2024 , 09:55 AM

(March 19, 2024) – Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday questioned the credibility of the chosen automated election systems provider for next year’s midterm elections because of the alleged issues involving the South Korean firm.

In a privilege speech, Hontiveros raised the alarm over the track record of Miru Systems because of the alleged malfunctions in countries where its machines were used for the elections.

She cited studies wherein the machines of the firm “were affected by election-day glitches and malfunctions” that tarnished the credibility of the results.

Among the countries that used the automated election systems of the company were South Korea, Iraq, Congo, and Kyrgyzstan, according to Hontiveros.

“In Congo, researchers reportedly found that the machines Miru tried to sell there were repackaged equipment originally intended for Argentina, where similar machines faced pushback. Ang tawag nga sa Congo ng election machines doon ay ‘cheating machines,'” said the lawmaker.

Last March 11, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Miru Systems signed a contract for the lease of a full automation system with transparency audit/count worth around P18 billion.

The firm entered into a joint venture with Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. for this endeavor.

But Hontiveros, a member of the two-person minority bloc, questioned why Miru System partnered with a construction company. She added that St. Timothy Construction Corporation “shares principal office address” with another construction company blacklisted by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“What is a construction company doing leasing voting machines to the Filipino people?” asked Hontiveros.

A representative of Miru Systems Inc. is expected to attend the hearing of the Senate committee on electoral reforms today. A central issue that will be tackled is the possibility of conducting the charter change plebiscite alongside next year’s midterm elections.

Aside from the credibility of the company, Hontiveros also questioned the bidding process.

“Napakalaking kontrata, walang ni isang bidder? Yes, Smartmatic was disqualified because of its own money laundering controversies, but there were others. Bakit biglang naglaho na lang?” said Hontiveros.

Smartmatic, which had provided the automated voting machines of the Comelec in previous elections, was disqualified from participating in poll-related procurements last year. It stemmed from the “serious and unresolved allegations” that the firm faced, such as alleged bribery in 2016.

The Comelec, which is headed by chairperson George Garcia, said the issues hounding the firm may affect how the people view the integrity of the country’s electoral process.

“These allegations not only undermine and cast a shadow over the procurement protocols but also threaten to erode the public’s confidence in the electoral system,” said the Comelec last year, adding it is “compelled to take decisive action” as part of its administrative functions.

(PM | with reports from Camille Samonte, News5)

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