Marcos also cited incidents from Davao City involving malfunctioning vote-counting machines.
A final glance Senator Imee R. Marcos double-checks her entries after casting her vote at Cabeza Elementary School in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
Photograph courtesy of Sen. Imee Marcos/FB
Reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos on Monday raised alarm over alleged discrepancies in the vote receipts generated by automated counting machines (ACMs), urging voters to closely monitor their ballots.
Speaking to reporters after casting her vote at Cabeza Elementary School in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Marcos said she had received unverified reports from various areas about machines that appeared to be pre-programmed to reflect votes for specific candidates.
“I’ve been getting so many complaints since this morning — from different parts of the country — about machines that allegedly print out votes for ‘Abalos’ no matter who you choose,” she said, referring to former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, a senatorial candidate allied with the Marcos administration.
“In some cases, the machines don’t even register the other senators you voted for.”
She added that some voters who selected a full slate of 12 senators were told their vote was invalid due to “overvoting,” and in Calbayog, Samar, there were claims that votes for mayor and vice mayor led to automatic selections for senatorial candidates.
Marcos also cited incidents from Davao City involving malfunctioning vote-counting machines.
“It’s concerning because that’s what people are reporting — that several machines are either failing or not processing ballots correctly,” she said.
The senator urged voters to protect their ballots by staying alert and reporting any irregularities.
“Cellphones aren’t allowed inside precincts, but there’s a process in place. If you notice a discrepancy, say something. You’ll be asked to sign a form. Keep your receipt — those are important,” she said.
Marcos also pointed out that this election is the first time the Commission on Elections is using a new technology provider, Miru Systems, replacing long-time contractor Smartmatic.
“This is our first time using Miru. They say it’s more modern but also more sensitive. We need to familiarize ourselves with the system and keep a close watch. After all, voting is a right our ancestors fought hard for,” she said.
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