The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) estimated around 2,000 vote counting machines (VCMs) encountered technical issues prior to election day.
According to COMELEC Commissioner George Garcia, exactly 1,867 VCMs needed repair or replacement.
Among the recurring problems encountered by VCMs were paper jams, rejected ballots, and faulty scanners and printers.
Garcia said that 10 VCMs required replacements, while the rest were repaired by technicians.
Meanwhile, COMELEC official Marlon Casquejo reported a total of 1,900 contingency VCMs on standby.
“During the final testing and sealing, a total of 818 VCMs were defective but all were repaired. Thus, on election day, we still have 1,900 contingency VCMs.” He said.
In addition, COMELEC has resolved to use new VCMs for the succeeding elections, citing the typical five-year lifespan of the machines.
COMELEC has also tapped the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure 175 polling stations in Cotabato City as Special Electoral Boards after the original Electoral Boards backed out due to “perceived threats”.
Under the Election Service Reform Act, in situations where there are no qualified voters willing to serve, PNP personnel shall be deputized to render election service “as a last resort”.