Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has successfully acquired the necessary certification from the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for its automated election system (AES) ahead of the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) scheduled for September 14.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the TEC certification was obtained last week, as required by Republic Act No. 9369, also known as the Poll Automation Law. "We have already received the certification from the Technical Evaluation Committee. Some may forget that this is an automated election," Garcia stated in an interview. He emphasized that the machines and systems used in the May 2025 polls still needed TEC certification, which was issued last week.
The law mandates that the TEC must verify and affirm that the AES, including its hardware and software components, operates properly, securely, and accurately in line with RA 9369. The 6,440 automated counting machines (ACMs) earmarked for the BPE are the same ones used during the May 2025 midterm elections. "It means just one thing: the Comelec is fully prepared (for the BPE)," Garcia assured. He further noted that the ACMs have already been positioned at provincial hubs and that all election documents and paraphernalia are set for distribution to municipalities by the end of the month.
In a related development, the Comelec has upheld its August 4 decision to cancel the registration of the Moro Ako Party as a Regional Parliamentary Political Party (RPPP) for the BPE. "Wherefore, premises considered, the Commission (En Banc) resolves to deny the Verified Motion for Reconsideration of Moro Ako Party for lack of merit," stated the Commission in an 11-page resolution. The resolution clarified that the motion did not present any new substantive issues that had not already been reviewed.
Furthermore, the Comelec stressed that registration and accreditation are not inherent rights but privileges granted only when strict compliance with the Commission's requirements is met. "As we emphasized in the Assailed Resolution, registration and accreditation are not a matter of right but a privilege extended only upon strict compliance with the requirements prescribed by this Commission, and every applicant bears the responsibility of ensuring that its submissions and representations are complete, accurate, and truthful," the Commission remarked. They concluded that relaxing these standards would require the Commission to neglect its legal responsibilities.
