Comelec says PCOS machines can run without source code

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes believes the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines will run without the source code as binary codes could be used.

“Binary codes are the machine-readable instructions,” he said. “Source code is the human-readable instruction. Binary codes can be used to run the elections.”

The Comelec has not received the certified source code less than one month before the May 13 polls.

Brillantes said the Comelec is now working to get the source code from its third party reviewer SLI Global Solution to remove the doubts for political parties and poll watchdogs to question the credibility of the elections.

“The source code is more for the political parties, to erase credibility questions,” he said.  “It’s not for running the elections.”

Dominion Voting System has refusing to allow the release of the source code after it had a falling out with Smartmatic International Corp., the supplier of the PCOS machines.

Brillantes has initiated tripartite negotiations with the two companies to settle their disputes but an agreement has not been reached. 

He will be writing Smartmatic and Dominion to reach an agreement in the interest of the Filipino people, he added.

Brillantes said 90 percent of preparations for the May 13 polls are already completed.

“We are practically ready,” he said. “It should be over 90 percent by now. This is a work in progress and we are already in the finishing stage.”