By Xander Ledesma
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has unveiled new automated counting machines (ACMs) for the 2025 midterm elections, replacing the aging Smartmatic units used in previous elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia led the demonstration at Cebu Normal University on Friday, October 25, 2024, showcasing the new machines developed by South Korean firm Miru Systems.
These ACMs, part of Comelec’s efforts to modernize the election process, are expected to improve transparency and efficiency. Garcia highlighted that the machines utilize a hybrid system, allowing both automated and manual counting of ballots, enhancing transparency.
The new machines boast several upgrades, including a touch-screen interface for overseas voting and simultaneous transmission of results to multiple parties. The results will be sent directly to political parties, citizen groups, Congress, the media, and Comelec’s central server, ensuring all stakeholders receive the same data at once. The machines also feature ballot image displays and automatic receipt printing, further bolstering voter confidence in the election process.
In March 2024, Comelec signed a contract with Miru Systems for P17.99 billion, securing 110, 000 new ACMs at a lower cost than the previous Smartmatic units. The machines are leased, allowing for easier upgrades and maintenance.
During the demonstration, Garcia addressed concerns about hacking, emphasizing that ballot images are saved before transmission, preventing tampering. The machines’ touch-screen feature will only be available for overseas voting to avoid delays in local precincts.
Miru Systems, which has previously provided voting systems to Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will also establish data centers to ensure secure and direct result transmission.
Smartmatic was disqualified from Comelec’s procurement processes in 2023 due to allegations of bribery and flawed procurement practices. Despite the Supreme Court later ruling that Comelec had abused its discretion in disqualifying Smartmatic, the contract with Miru Systems remained in place.
These developments mark a significant shift in the Philippines’ electoral process, aiming to enhance the credibility and efficiency of the 2025 elections.