The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has guaranteed that vote padding and shaving, or “dagdag bawas,” is not possible under the automated election system (AES).
Chairman George Erwin Garcia reassured former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, who expressed concerns about election integrity, stating that since the 2010 automated elections, no evidence of tampering has been presented.
The AES includes verifiable processes, such as printed election results posted outside precincts and accessible ballot images for election watchers.
The random manual audit will further ensure transparency and accuracy throughout the election process.
Election watchdog PPCRV has also expressed confidence in the transparency of the upcoming midterm polls, which will feature a new online voting system for overseas Filipinos.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 26, 2025
