Comelec: Almost 800 VCMs were found to be defective during final testing, sealing

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) found approximately 800 vote counting machines (VCMs) to be defective during the final testing and sealing. 

According to GMA News reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez, a total of 790 VCMs were found to be defective, which is less than 1% of the total number of VCMs.

However, at least 233 VCMs have been replaced as of Saturday.

At least 143 SD cards were found to be defective, but 107 have already been replaced.

The final testing and sealing began on May 2. 

Meanwhile, acting Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that the unused ballots on Election Day, May 9, will be torn in half by the electoral board as part of the proceedings after voting.

Laudianco said these were stated in the general instructions for electoral boards, adding that both halves will be placed in separate envelopes.

In other developments, a total of 472,559 out of 1,697,215 Filipino voters abroad have already cast their ballots, according to the Comelec.

Overseas voting will run until May 9 at 7 p.m. (Philippine time). —VBL, GMA News