Palace exec to Comelec: Make sure automation is foolproof

MANILA, Philippines - Now that it's one step closer to getting P11.3 billion for automated polls in 2010, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should take steps to make the system foolproof. This is the advice Thursday of deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez Jr., who admitted the automation will be useless if hackers can break into the system. "We just have to make sure even if it is automated dapat foolproof kung hindi, useless din [We have to make sure the automated system is foolproof. Otherwise, it will be useless]," Golez said in an interview on dzXL radio. Golez's advice came less than 12 hours after the Senate passed the P11.3-billion supplemental budget for automated polls in 2010. Senators who voted against the supplemental budget raised concerns that the system, even if automated, can be prone to cheating if hackers breach its security. In an earlier interview, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said President Arroyo will sign the supplemental budget bill into law soon. "We are hoping and we are confident to the Comelec that things are instituted for the change, the kind of election this country is having towards more mature peaceful and honest elections," Golez said. - GMANews.TV