📷: Former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares
In light of recent revelations surrounding the change in the software version of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs), former Bayan Muna Congressmen Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate jointly call for urgent action to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Zarate emphasized, “The shift from the certified version 3.4, which underwent local source code review and independent certification, to version 3.5 labeled as ‘updated’ by Comelec raises serious doubts about the integrity of the election process.”
He added, “The discrepancy in hash codes between these versions suggests that the software may have been altered without proper transparency, opening the door to potential fraud and voter disenfranchisement.”
He further explained, “The only acceptable software during election day should be the one that has passed through review and certification. Any unverified updates, especially those that change hash codes, undermine the reliability of our automated elections.”
Zarate further pointed out the technical concerns, stating, “Changing the software without proper checks and balances can lead to manipulation of election results. The software must be transparent, open to audit, and thoroughly verified before any election results are declared.”
Colmenares also called on Comelec to be transparent: “Comelec must release all information regarding the changes made from version 3.4 to 3.5, including explanations for the hash code modifications and reasons for the software update. This is essential to restore public trust.”
The Bayan Muna chairman added that “Transparency is key. We need full disclosure on what changes were made, why they were made, and how they affect the election outcomes.”
Colmenares warned, “Kung may duda tayo sa integridad ng software, ang resulta ng halalan ay hindi magiging tumpak at makatarungan. It is our right and duty to ensure that every ballot is counted correctly, and that our votes truly reflect the will of the people.”
Colmenares concluded, “We are calling on the Comelec and all voters to remain vigilant. If the results from the machines are questionable, manual counting must be immediately implemented. Every vote is precious—dapat bilangin nang tama at makatarungan.”
Nakakatanggap kami ng mga reports ngayon ng over voting, ibang boto and lumalabas sa resibo, pagkasira ng AES machines at overheating. Labas pa dito ay untransparent talaga ang AES kaya dapat na magkaroon ng manual counting.
“We must safeguard our democratic process. Let us ensure transparency and integrity in our elections,” Colmenares ended. #
