Home Culture 24K Automated Poll Counting Machines Arrives in the Philippines

24K Automated Poll Counting Machines Arrives in the Philippines

Photo courtesy of Comelec Facebook
Photo: courtesy of Comelec

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Saturday that over 24,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) have arrived in the Philippines for the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025. Comelec Chair George Garcia revealed the update during a press briefing at a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, where he showcased 7,400 of the newly delivered machines.

Garcia noted that the machines were supplied by Miru Systems, the service provider for the elections. He highlighted that the company had originally committed to delivering 20,000 machines by August but exceeded that target by 4,000 units.

“Dapat ang commitment sa atin ng Miru para sa buwan ng August ay 20,000 lang so lumalabas sumobra sila ng 4,000,” Garcia said, explaining the unexpected surplus.

In addition to the ACMs, Garcia confirmed that Miru Systems has met its commitments for other essential electronic equipment, including consolidated canvassing system laptops, printers, and various server technologies. These items are critical for ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.

Comelec anticipates a total of 110,000 ACMs will be delivered by the end of the year, with 30,000 scheduled for September and October, and the remainder set to arrive in December.

The warehouse visit included representatives from election stakeholders such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, underscoring the collaborative effort to ensure a credible electoral process.

The Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project, valued at PHP 18.8 billion, is being implemented by a joint venture comprising Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc.

As the country gears up for the 2025 elections, the arrival of these machines marks a significant step toward enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process in the Philippines.