Indonesia

Comelec execs open to audit of transparency server

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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Comelec execs open to audit of transparency server
'Wala pong daya diyan o magic,' says Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon

MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she and another poll commissioner have pushed for a third-party audit of the transparency server, the basis of unofficial election tallies released by watchdogs and media groups. 

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, May 15, Guanzon said she agrees with Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito Guia that an independent third-party audit of the transparency server is needed. She said the 7-member Comelec en banc will discuss this proposal.

This comes after the transparency server suffered a 7-hour glitch on Monday, May 13, preventing updates on the unofficial tallies for the elections. The percentage of election returns reported by the transparency server also fluctuated on Tuesday morning, May 14. (READ: Was transmission of 2019 PH election results better or worse?)

“I want to assure the public that we are open to inquiries or a technical audit, and as for me and Commissioner Guia, we prefer an independent third party to do this,” Guanzon said.

“I can assure you that personally, wala pong daya diyan o magic (there is no cheating or magic),” she added.

Guanzon added that the explanation of Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, steering committee head for the May 13 elections, is clear. Casquejo had said the fluctuation in the percentage of election returns reported by the transparency server is due to a Java error. 

Java is a programming language.

“Sinabi na sa inyo ni Commissioner Casquejo ‘yung explanation kahapon. Now some people, they are not happy with that kasi ano po daw ‘yung Java error? Ano ‘yan, Jabba the Hutt, ganyan? Sabi ko naman, nagkakaintindihan naman ‘yung mga marunong sa technical kung ano ‘yung problema,” said Guanzon.

(Commissioner Casquejo gave you the explanation yesterday. Now some people said they are not happy with that because what is a Java error? What is that, Jabba the Hutt? I said those well-versed in the technicals can understand the problem.)

The Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, is now in the process of canvassing votes for senators and party-list groups. The poll body has canvassed 54 out of 167 COCs as of 3:50 pm on Wednesday. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com