Manila: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) signed an agreement for the safekeeping of the Final Trusted Build Source Codes for the May 12 national and local elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, the signing took place at the BSP Head Office in Manila, overseen by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia and BSP officer in charge Elmore Capule. Comelec Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, as well as BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, were also present. Representatives from various organizations, including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the National Movement for Free Elections, along with media personnel, witnessed the event.
In a joint statement, the BSP and Comelec detailed that the deposited items comprised source codes for the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), the Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS), the Election Management System (EMS), the Secure Electronic Transmission System (SETS), and the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS). These components collectively form the Automated Elections System, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the electoral process.
The source codes, stored in digital media storage devices, have undergone rigorous international certification and local review to ensure credibility and auditability. These codes are essential for the electronic processes involved in counting, consolidating, and canvassing votes, as well as managing the overall conduct of elections.
The BSP continues to safeguard the source codes from previous elections, dating back to 2010, underscoring its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral processes in the Philippines.
In an effort to curb vote-buying activities, the BSP recently issued Memorandum No. 2025-006, which instructs BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) to enhance their surveillance and monitoring measures. The memorandum, signed by BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, advises financial institutions to tighten controls to prevent fraudulent transactions related to vote-buying and the abuse of state resources.
The BSP urged BSFIs to submit suspicious transaction reports to the Anti-Money Laundering Council after thorough investigation, especially for transactions that lack legal justification or are indicative of vote-buying activities. The move aims to mitigate potential misuse of digital channels and ensure a fair electoral process.
