Senators have spoken out against the insertion of a provision in the 2021 General Appropriations Act that would allow the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to waive tests and certifications for the security of equipment that would be used in automated polls.
If it comes down to it, they will actively block out such provisions as it would compromise the integrity of the elections.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon earlier revealed that they’ve been warned of attempts to insert a provision in the spending bill to authorize the Comelec to waive safeguards in the procurement of equipment and materials guaranteed under the Automated Election Law, Sen. Sonny Angara said.
“I was alerted by the Senate President today about this possibility and instructed to guard against any such provision being inserted before Congress ratifies the budget,” Angara said in a text message to the media.
Angara will lead the 12-member Senate panel during bicameral deliberations on the 2021 national budget next week.
Meanwhile, Sotto said he is already “looking” into the matter.
“Cannot allow. I’m looking into it already!” he said in a tweet.
