Comelec: Manual counting of votes not an option in case of malfunctioning VCMs

The manual counting of votes is not an option in the event that a precinct’s vote counting machine malfunctions, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez made the clarification in response to reports that there were polling precincts where VCMs malfunctioned on Election Day, May 13.

Jimenez clarified that the protocol is strictly to replace the defective VCMs.

“We should wait for the replacement [of the defective VCM]. Hindi tayo babalik sa manual counting. Hihintayin po nating mapalitan ang makina,” Jimenez said in an interview with GMA News.

“Manual naman po ang pagboto. [Sa pagbilang ng boto], nasa judgment po ng BEIs (Board of Election Inspectors) kung iipunin muna ang mga balota habang inaantay ang VCM. Pero kapag may delay sa replacement ng VCM, karaniwan suspended muna ang voting,” Jimenez added.

Among the places where VCMs were not working were:

• Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao
• Mohammad Tulawie Central School in Jolo, Sulu
• Malabon City National High School
• Precinct IIIA in Barangay Balabag in Kidapawan City
• Marawi City
• Precinct 81, Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan City

Meanwhile, smoke came out of one VCM in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

The Comelec has deployed 85,000 VCMs for the conduct of the May 2019 polls. 

“Meron po tayong reporting centers kung saan dinadala ang ganyang mga report [of non-functioning VCMs] at mayroon pong rumeresponde,” Jimenez said.

On top of the 85,000 VCMs, at least 7,000 VCMs will be available to replace defective VCMs.

The 85,000 VCMs are lesser than the 92,000 VCMs used in the 2016 presidential elections because the number of voters to be accommodated in one polling precinct has been increased to 1,000 per polling precinct from 800 in May 2016. —Llanesca T. Panti/KG, GMA News