President Rodrigo Duterte has advised the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to search for a new supplier of machines that would be used for the country’s automated elections, GMA News reported.
Duterte issued the statement before the Filipino community while on a state visit in Japan.
“I would like to advise COMELEC now, di ko na lang hintayin. Dispose of that Smartmatic and look for a new one that is free of fraud,” he said.
Malacañang has said the May midterm elections had been credible despite technical glitches.
However, COMELEC was also advised to review its contract with current supplier, Smartmatic.
“Ang Liberal (Party) sabi nila nadaya sila. Ako sabi nila nadaya rin. It’s creating an environment of hostile attitude against that Smartmatic,” Duterte said, adding that the poll body has three years to find a new supplier.
“If you use that in the next election three years from now I don’t know what will happen. Something has got to give. Improve on the systems. Stop using Smartmatic,” Duterte said.
