8,640 automated counting machines delivered to Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday received the second batch of automated counting machines to be used for the 2025 midterm polls.

A total of 8,640 ACMs were delivered by South Korean firm Miru Systems to the Comelec warehouse in Biñan, Laguna.

''Comelec inspects each ACM to ensure their quality. Any machine that doesn't pass the initial inspection will be returned for replacements,'' the poll body said.

There are now around 24,000 ACMs in the country, though 7,000 of them are still at the Bureau of Customs, according to a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report.

Miru started delivering machines in July, the Comelec said, adding the company has also sent 100% of the servers, printers, and laptops that will be used in vote canvassing.

The Comelec aims to complete the delivery of 110,000 ACMs by December.

In March, the Comelec awarded to Miru the P17.99-billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system for the 2025 elections. The contract covered ACMs and peripherals, including ballot boxes and laptops.

The contract has been questioned before the Supreme Court over alleged violations of the poll automation law. —VBL, GMA Integrated News