Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has embarked on the trusted build process for the automated election system (AES) designated for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections scheduled for October.

According to Philippines News Agency, the trusted build involves assembling the entire program that will manage the AES using reviewed components. This process is crucial as the source code, which outlines the instructions for the computer equipment, underwent modifications. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia explained that the trusted build is being carried out by the international certification entity, Pro V and V, based in Colorado, USA, to generate new ballot face templates and serialization.

Garcia emphasized that the trusted build is necessary, especially when changes to the source code are required by the BARMM law. These changes include elements like pictures, the option for "none of the above," and the inclusion of logos. He stated, "You can't just change it without changing the source code. Since you changed the source code, you need to have a trusted build again to generate a new version of the program."

The law mandates the process if there are any amendments to the source code. Garcia noted, "If that is not changed, we will violate the Bangsamoro election code."

The BARMM Parliamentary Elections will utilize automated counting machines, which were first used in the May 12, 2025, midterm elections. The technology is provided by MIRU Systems, a South Korean-based service provider, in collaboration with the Integrated Computer Systems and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (ICS-CPSTI) Joint Venture.