Comelec deposits source codes to BSP

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday signed an agreement for the safekeeping of the Final Trusted Build Source Codes for the upcoming polls.

This complies with Republic Act (RA) 8436, as amended by RA 9369 or the Automated Elections Systems Act.

The deposited items include the source codes for the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), the Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS), the Election Management System (EMS), the Secure Electronic Transmission System (SETS), and the Online Voting and Counting System.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said this ensures the transparency of the midterm elections.

"The BSP is the guardian of our man, meanwhile, Comelec is the guardian of the Philippine democracy," Garcia said.

"We can assure that these source codes are protected," he added.

The source codes, which are stored in digital media storage devices after having undergone the Full Final Trusted Build International Certification and Local Source Code Review, ensure election accuracy, credibility, transparency, and auditability in all of the electronic processes.

The source codes for the 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022 National and Local Elections remain deposited inside the BSP’s vaults.

"The source codes are always there to ensure complete transparency," Garcia added.