Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed approval for the Supreme Court's (SC) decision to reject the proposal for manual counting of votes at the precinct level.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the ruling reinforces the full automation of both national and local elections. Garcia emphasized that the decision confirms that a parallel manual count on Election Day is unnecessary and could lead to delays and potential risks of manipulation and fraud.

The Supreme Court, convening en banc, dismissed a petition filed by a group of bishops and retired police and military officials. The petition sought to compel Comelec to establish rules and regulations for manual vote counting at the precinct level. In its dismissal, the High Tribunal noted that the absence of such rules from Comelec aligns with its transition to an automated election system.