Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected Senator Risa Hontiveros' claim that the automated election system (AES) certification should be finalized three months before the scheduled polls on May 12. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia addressed the issue, stating that if this timeline were mandatory, it would imply that elections from 2010 to 2022 were conducted in violation of the law. Garcia emphasized that past elections were orderly, suggesting that the three-month rule is not a strict requirement.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia explained that the certification of the AES is the responsibility of the technical evaluation committee (TEC), an independent body not under the influence of Comelec, the Department of Science and Technology, or the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The TEC was established by law, and its certification is based on international standards. Garcia mentioned that while the hardware and software for the AES are complete, the certification process is pending due to the new Overseas Voting and Counting System, which is nearing completion. He expressed optimism that the TEC certification would be finalized by the end of March.
Senator Hontiveros has called for a joint congressional investigation into the alleged lack of certification for the May 12 AES. She pointed out that Comelec is yet to fulfill the requirements of Section 11 of the amended Election Automation Law, which mandates certification from a recognized international body to ensure the AES's proper, secure, and accurate operation.
In a related development, 20-year-old Heart Aquino, a noontime show contestant who admitted to lacking knowledge about Comelec, visited the agency's office in Intramuros, Manila. Aquino expressed her willingness to work with Comelec to inspire youth engagement. Director Frances Arabe of Comelec's Standards and Innovation Office welcomed the possibility, noting that Aquino could be an influencer for young people unaware of Comelec's role and the voting process. Arabe highlighted Comelec's readiness to collaborate with Aquino in reaching out to the youth, contingent on her interest in joining the initiative.
