Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System to investigate the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its alleged failure to secure the necessary certification for the security and accuracy of the automated election system (AES) ahead of the 12 May elections.

Hontiveros emphasized the need for immediate action by the Senate and the House to ensure a clean and orderly election. She pointed out that the Comelec has not yet obtained the required certification required under Republic Act 8436, which mandates that an international entity confirm that the AES is functioning properly, securely, and accurately.

The certification should have been issued by 12 February, she noted.

Hontiveros called for an explanation from the Comelec if the certification has not been issued and warned that proceeding without it could damage public confidence in the elections.

She also urged the committee to address concerns raised by Isabela vice mayoral candidate Jeryll Respicio regarding the vulnerability of the automated counting machines.