Comelec warns candidates of scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured the public yesterday of the accuracy and integrity of the automated election system (AES), which will be used in the 2019 midterm polls.

James Jimenez, spokesman for the Comelec, also appealed to the candidates to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals offering them sure victory in the elections by compromising the AES.

Jimenez made the appeal following the arrest by the National Bureau of Investigation of a woman, who attempted to extort money from candidates on Tuesday.

“We are glad that criminals like these are being exposed and apprehended,” he said.

Jimenez said the AES has been used since the 2010 elections.

“There has been no evidence that the results of the past elections were tampered with by using any component of the AES – from the precinct-based vote counting machines to the consolidated canvassing system – to cheat in favor of any candidate,” he said.

Jimenez encouraged the public to report to the Comelec anyone making such illegal offers.

“We would like to reassure the candidates that the AES is fair and secure, and will count the votes correctly,” he said.