The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has strongly refuted allegations that voting machines can be hacked through internet connections, dismissing it as "disinformation" aimed at undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Poll body chairman George Garcia addressed these concerns in a DZRH interview on Monday, responding to a viral video in which a lawyer claimed that internet connectivity could be used to manipulate election results.
"Our machines total 110,000. Does this mean that all 110,000 will be connected to the internet from morning to midnight?" Garcia questioned, emphasizing that the machines are not designed for continuous internet access.
He clarified that the automatic-counting machines (ACMs) have no built-in internet connection and do not connect to the internet during the voting process. Instead, the machines print multiple copies of election returns before results are transmitted.
"The machines will print nine election returns, and the ninth copy will be posted at the precinct for everyone to see before any transmission happens," Garcia explained. Copies are also given to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), NAMFREL, the majority and minority parties, and the media — ensuring that results are already known before they are transmitted.
Addressing concerns about internet connectivity, Garcia explained that the machines only connect to the internet after printing the initial nine election returns. This is done via a dongle used specifically for transmission, and only after the manual verification of results.
"For everyone's knowledge, the machines will print a total of 30 election returns. Only after printing the ninth copy will it be connected via a dongle to transmit the results," he said.
After transmission, the machines will then print an additional 21 copies of the election returns.
Garcia stressed that any claims of hacking or manipulation are baseless, as the source code of the voting machines was already completed and sealed in February, witnessed by the Comelec's citizen arm.
"The source code is locked. It cannot be changed anymore," he assured.
He also pointed out that the machines are only scanners, meaning they do not alter or process results beyond reading and recording ballots.
Furthermore, he criticized the lawyer behind the viral claim, saying that the individual should have sought technical clarification from Comelec instead of spreading misleading information.
"I hope we can talk to that lawyer. He initially asked us technical questions before we even trained our officers. Why not come back and ask now that we are fully trained and informed?" Garcia said.
Comelec has filed a cyber libel complaint against the lawyer and will also pursue an election offense case, which could lead to disqualification from running for office.
Garcia reiterated that while criticism of Comelec is welcome, attacking the integrity of the electoral process is a serious matter.
"Throw complaints at me and the Commission, but do not undermine the integrity of our elections. Everyone is working hard to ensure a clean and fair election," he stated.
Comelec has assured the public that stringent security measures are in place to prevent tampering and protect the sanctity of votes, urging voters not to be swayed by misinformation.