Comelec begins testing PCOS machines for 2016 elections

The Commission on Elections on Friday began the diagnostic tests on 80,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used in the 2016 national elections.

According to a report on GMA News TV's “Balitanghali”, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who represents the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System, went to the Comelec warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna to observe the process.



During the walkthrough, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told Pimentel they have so far inspected at least 1,500 units and 100 were found to have minor defects.

Jimenez said the Comelec plans to inspect 1,500 units each day.

He added that they will begin repairing units with defects after completing the diagnostics test for all PCOS machines.

He also said the Comelec is checking various parts of the units including its memory, screen, scanner, printer, battery and modem.

Jimenez said all diagnostics tests and minor repairs should be done by June. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News