More machines to be leased for 2016 polls

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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be leasing more Optical Maker Reader (OMR) and Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines for the upcoming 2016 elections.

A total of P2.07 billion will be allocated for the lease of 23,000 OMR units while another P30.75 million for 410 DRE machines, according to a report from the Comelec Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

The lease contracts should have an “option to purchase” clause similar to pervious agreement entered into with Smartmatic International, according to Spokesman James Jimenez.

“Just like in 2009, these will be leases with option to purchase clauses for the Comelec,” he said.

The said clause was also invoked by the Comelec in acquiring the PCOS machines during the 2013 elections.

Meanwhile, the OMR was set for P90,000 per unit and the DRE for P75,000 each, according to the BAC.

“Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) shall automatically be rejected at bid opening,” the BAC said.

“The system offered by the bidder must have been successfully used in a prior electoral exercise here and/or abroad,” the BAC added.