Palace says parallel manual count defeats automation purpose

Malacañang called on the public on Sunday to support the automated polls on May 10, saying a parallel manual count is not only expensive but defeats the purpose of automation, which is to avoid human error. Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar told dzBB radio on Sunday a parallel manual count could only cause further trouble since the law mandates that the automated system results be followed. "If you conduct a parallel manual count, under the law, it’s still the automated results that must be followed," he said in Filipino. "This does not help the stability of the elections," Olivar said, adding that the automation is there precisely to address the problems of the manual system. "When we still had manual counting, there was so much delay, blaming and cheating. That is why we chose to automate the polls," he pointed out. Olivar called on the public to stop criticizing the Commission on Elections and support it instead. "We have to make up our mind. Once we decide [on automation], let’s go ahead with it. Let’s support the Comelec," he added. Olivar noted that the poll body had arranged for parallel manual count in five precincts in each of the 222 districts, which is five times the requirement. He also dismissed rumors of election failure, saying that once a vote is cast, the electoral action is completed. He clarified that election refers to the voter making a choice, and not the counting of votes. He also said there are safeguards for the counting. "To elect [someone] is to choose and has nothing to do with counting," he said. Olivar noted that in case problems arise, the Supreme Court and Congress would have to decide in favor of an orderly outcome. "Let us focus on being supportive." — Carmela G. Lapeña/NPA, GMANews.TV