An automated counting machine (ACM) encountered a glitch during the final testing and sealing at a clustered precinct in Pedro Acharon Sr. Central Elementary School in General Santos City on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

The ACM has rejected a ballot repeatedly, a problem that could potentially disrupt the election process during the election day.

The problem was resolved after the scanner of the machine was cleaned.

“Possible ang problema doon, marumi ang scanner, ang ginawa namin para ma-solve yun inopen namin yung ACM. Underneath naggamit kami ng wipes para malinis then gi-try namin ulit and okay na,” Jan Christ Manahumbing, DepEd Supervisor Official (DESO) Technical Support Staff, said.

According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-General Santos City, this is a common concern encountered during the final testing and sealing of ACMs in clustered precincts.

However, the members of the electoral board are already trained to troubleshoot such issues.

“Actually, alam na ‘yan ng electoral boards kasi nasa training na yan nila and we had our refresher’s training din. Kaya lang minsan napre-pressure sila, nakukuha sila ng kaba so pagka ganyang problema. When it comes to technical issues sa ACM, USB, smart card, they have to refer the problem to DESO Technical Support Staff,” COMELEC-GenSan Election Officer, Atty. Sittie Sharmaine Papandayan-Garangan, said.

The poll body added that if the issue cannot be resolved by the DESO Technical Support Staff, it should be referred to the National Technical Support Center.

The center serves as a hub for addressing concerns during the final testing and sealing of ACMs, as well as on election day.