Chiz to COMELEC: We can't afford another mistake like Megapacific

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero on Monday asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to explain in detail to the public how it plans to undertake the automation of the 2010 elections as the country cannot afford another mistake like Megapacific.

In an ambush interview with reporters, Escudero said the poll body should clearly elaborate on how it plans to spend the P11.3 billion it asks from Congress for the computerization of the coming 2010 polls.

"Kung dati, limang daliri pa ang gagamitin para makapandaya ng eleksyon, baka sa automation na gagawin ng COMELEC ay isa na lang dahil isang button na lang ang pipindutin," said the opposition senator, who is chair of joint congressional oversight committee on automated election system.

Escudero pointed to the P1.3 billion counting machine contract with Mega Pacific Corp. which was later on nullified by the Supreme Court.

"Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa din natin mabawi ang pera na ibinayad sa contractor. At nagbabayad tayo milyon-milyon para itago itong mga aparatong ito. Sana ay pag-isipan itong mabuti ng COMELEC," he said.

Escudero asked the COMELEC if it has already complied with the requirements of the law in order for automation of the elections to take place.

One of such requirements is to launch first pilot areas in at least two urbanized areas in the countries and two provinces each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

"Nagawa na ba ito ng COMELEC? O baka masayang na naman ang pera ng bayan," Escudero said.

He pointed out that pressure in bow being put to bear on Congress to rush the passage of the supplemental budget.

"We can't be stampeded into passing this budget without the Comelec answering these questions. We can't afford to make another mistake like Megapacific," Escudero stressed.#