Comelec: Aboitiz suspension won't affect transport of poll equipment, materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not alarmed by the suspension on the operations of Aboitiz Transport System Corp. (ATSC) even though a subsidiary of the company is tasked to transport the ballots and counting machines that will be used in next year's elections, officials said Tuesday. "We'll have to see how long the suspension lasts, what it covers, etcetera," said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a text message to GMANews.TV. "It's too early to make any conclusions, and the Comelec is prepared to do what is necessary to ensure the success of the project," Jimenez added. On Monday, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended ATSC's operations due to the sinking of its vessel, SuperFerry 9, that resulted in the deaths of nine people. According to Department of Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Thompson Lantion, the ATSC would be required to explain why its permit should not be revoked or canceled. An ATSC subsidiary, 2Go, was earlier chosen to transport the ballots and precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to the provinces that will be used in the May 2010 polls. Newly-appointed Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the poll body is optimistic that the ATSC will be able to provide alternative means to transport the ballots and the machines. "They have other means of transporting these machines. By vehicles, by use of their airplanes," Larrazabal said in a forum on election automation organized by House Minority leader Ronaldo Zamora and Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares. Larrazabal also assured that the Comelec is preparing for all kinds of scenarios that may impede the successful implementation of the automated polls next year. - GMANews.TV