By Gabriel Kim Leal
(April 18, 2024) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday assured that the preparations for the 2025 midterm elections will not affected by the recent decision of the Supreme Court to side with voting technology firm Smartmatic.
On Wednesday, the high court ruled that the Comelec was wrong in disqualifying Smartmatic from participating in the bidding process for future contracts.
Despite some reservations, the Comelec accepted the decision.
“Maluwag sa loob namin na tinatanggap,” said Comelec spokesperson Atty. Rex Laudiango on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas. “Ang talagang paramount interest ng Comelec ay pangalagaan sa anumang isyu ang ating proseso ng halalan. Hindi lamang ang halalan mismo kundi pati sa procurement hanggang matapos ito.”
The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Comelec last November to disqualify Smartmatic due to a bribery case in the United States.
Despite the latest development, the poll body maintained that it will not impact the contracts already awarded to other voting technology companies.
“Prospective talaga ang application ng desisyon na ito. Hindi sapat ang desisyon at findings ng Korte Suprema para i-nullify ang aming public bidding o kaya ay kanselahin ang mga nai-award na dahil hindi na puwedeng maantala ang paghahanda sa 2025 elections,” explained Laudiango.
He admitted that their schedule is tight but they are overseeing “every step to ensure compliance with all conditions set by Comelec.”
On Thursday, former lawmaker Edgar Erice asked the Supreme Court to nullify the P17.9 billion contract of the Comelec with South Korea’s Miru Systems Co. for the 2025 midterm elections on the grounds of “abuse of discretion.” Erice is also mulling filing an impeachment complaint against officials of the poll body.
The Comelec said it is prepared to face legal challenges but noted that preparations for next year’s midterm elections could be negatively affected if the Supreme Court grants Erice’s petition.
“’Yung temporary restraining order, kung sakaling lumabas ‘yan, ihihinto namin sa anumang estado ang paghahanda namin. Ngayon pa lang, sinasabi na namin na magiging napakahirap niyan dahil very strict ang timeline ng Comelec,” said Laudiango.
(PM)
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