Lawmakers vouch for accuracy of PCOS machines

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers crossed party lines yesterday in vouching for the accuracy of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines used during the last two elections even as they hit groups that they said want to revert to manual counting of votes in the 2016 polls.

Tarlac Rep. Noel Villanueva denounced so-called election watchdogs for mounting a “well-oiled black propaganda” against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its decision to use its more than 81,000 PCOS machines for the elections next year.

“These critics have in their hands bare assertions which do not deserve any attention at all. If they cannot show competent proof that the PCOS machines are not worthy of trust, they should shut their mouth,” Villanueva said.

“These groups don’t deserve serious attention because they only serve their vested interest,” he said.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. earlier said certain election watchdogs were waging a media campaign for a return to manual counting of votes after the information technology companies they supported were rejected by the poll body.

Brillantes said Smartmatic’s PCOS machines are used in the US and are expected to last for 17 to 25 years.

Villanueva said these poll watchdogs failed to support their allegations of electronic fraud against Smartmatic and have acted more like “nuisance candidates.”

“They are putting the election’s credibility in doubt which only tends to further divide the nation,” he said.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo said he is satisfied with Brillantes’ explanation as to why the Comelec tapped Smartmatic to service the 80,000 PCOS machines.

“Considering lesser cost, lesser time required, and lesser complications arising from parts and components issues, Brillantes made a very good decision in tapping Smartmatic,” Acedillo said.

He said 2016 is just around the corner, and so a replacement system to the PCOS machines cannot be procured in time for the next elections.

“Automated elections are still the way to go,” he said.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, a member of the Commission on Appointments representing the minority bloc, has also vouched for the PCOS machines.

“The country experienced very successful automated elections using the PCOS machines in 2010 and 2013. We should continue to have an automated election as mandated by law,” Albano said.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who earlier opposed the use of PCOS machines in 2010, said he changed his mind after witnessing the accuracy of the machines.