Smartmatic chosen to refurbish PCOS machines — Comelec sources

Smartmatic PCOS machine (Comrade Mijur / Technically Juris on Blogspot)

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has chosen Smartmatic – Total Information Management (TIM) Corporation to refurbish the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to be utilized 2016 national and local polls.

A high ranking official of the poll body revealed that with a vote of 5-2, the Comelec decided to use the extended warranty offer of Smartmatic – TIM for the repair of the more than 80,000 PCOS.

“We have promulgated the decision already. And it was decided by the en banc to give the project to Smartmatic-TIM,” said the source, who requested not to be named.

Those approved the extended warranty are Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, and Commissioners Lucenito Tagle, Elias Yusoph, Christian Lim, and Al Parreno.

On the other hand, Commissioners Luie Guia and Arthur Lim both dissented.

The source noted that the Comelec resolution will be published this week.

Earlier, the poll body was looking at exercising the extended warranty provided by the Venezuelan-based company or to conduct a public bidding for the project.

Comelec sources added that poll officials were advised by the Comelec – Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) that conducting a public bidding would affect their preparations for the next national elections.

“Holding the public bidding would largely affect our timeline. Baka kapusin kami sa oras ng preparation if magbi-bidding pa since there is also the danger of a failed bidding,” the source said.