Comelec extends deadline anew for AES bid submission

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign and local technology providers have more time to submit bids for the automated election system (AES) to be used in the 2025 national and local elections.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said the Comelec has extended anew the deadline for the submission of bids for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project.

“The special bids and awards committee postponed the submission of the bid documents. Instead of Nov. 28, we made it Dec. 12 to give all possible suppliers time to prepare and submit documents to the Comelec,” Garcia said yesterday.

He said the poll body decided to extend the deadline for the submission of bids so it could first resolve issues involving technology provider Smartmatic.

Garcia said the Comelec is committed to resolve “once and for all” allegations against Smartmatic. He said both the pros and cons on the possible outcome of the Comelec decision were discussed.

The decision of each member of the poll body will be based on the discussion and appreciation of facts and laws applicable, Garcia said.

“We promise you, whatever will be our decision, this will be for the good of the country, good of the election management and for the purpose of affirming the integrity of every election the Comelec is conducting,” Garcia said.

He said there are so many legal issues to be resolved and that their decision would practically lay down the roadmap of the Comelec in the succeeding elections.

The poll body expects appeals to be filed before the Supreme Court, questioning their decision.