Congress to conduct probe on 2013 poll issues

(Malacanang stock photo)

MANILA – Results of the most recent elections tabulated by precinct count optical scan system is set to be reviewed by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System.

This is because of the use of the scan system despite favorable reviews for the adoption of the same system in 2016.

All interested parties are expected to present their respective positions on the PCOS machines during the hearings, according to Capiz Rep.

Fredenil Castro, chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.

Several cases will be taken into review, including that of the Paniqui mayoralty protest where over 70 percent of the votes have been nullified.

Mayoralty bet Rommel David was installed in the position after the regional trial court nullified a huge amount of votes for incumbent Mayor Miguel Rivilla, who was proclaimed winner in the 2013 mayoralty contest.

“Apparently, somebody in the Comelec is playing the role of a basketball court general to dribble the case and prevent Rivilla from continuing with his job as mayor,” observers noted in a Philippine Star report.