Brillantes: No P1.2-B PCOS deal with Smartmatic

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes on Monday denied that the poll body signed a P1.2 billion contract Smartmatic.

"That is not correct. We awarded them only the first portion which is the P300 million maximum contract, not the P1.2 billion," Brillantes said during an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Brillantes explained that Smartmatic proposed a three-stage contract but was only awarded the first part for diagnostics and examination of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, which is worth P300 million.

"We are not yet entering a contract with Smartmatic on repair and maintenance, P900 million. We are only entering into a contract for the diagnostics examination and minor repairs for a maximum of P300 million because we're still going to negotiate the price," Brillantes explained.

The Comelec chairman said that the original P300 million for the diagnostics examination of the PCOS machines may still be lowered to P250 million or P275 million.

Brillantes further explained that the second stage of the contract worth P900 million will be used for the actual repair and maintenace.

"Then they will do the actual repair and maintenance and actual correction of any mistakes or error, another 900 million (pesos). That would be the second stage," Brillantes said.

He added that the third stage, which would be worth another P300 million, is for the upgrading of the machines.

Brillantes said that public bidding will be opened for the second stage, depending on the results of the first stage of repairs.

"We cannot speculate what will be seen during the initial diagnostics. We might not even go to the second stage," Brillantes explained, adding that the second stage will only be implemented if major repairs are needed.

Since public bidding would be opened for the second stage, the previous exclusive repair rights of Smartmatic and Dominion may be waived, according to Brillantes.

Smartmatic and Dominion had a previous partnership for the PCOS machines that were used in the 2010 elections. Smartmatic supplied the machines while Dominion provided source code.

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