Ilocos Norte: Ilocos Norte election supervisor Joel Gines on Monday assured the public of the integrity of the automated counting machines (ACMs) that were tested and sealed before use on Election Day.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gines made the assurance amid social media posts claiming that the names of the candidates they voted for mayor and vice mayor did not appear on the printed receipts, particularly at the Laoag Central Elementary School and in other villages in this city. The posts further alleged that poll watchers have raised their concern to the electoral board but have yet to see it recorded in the minutes.
Gines challenged those spreading ‘fake news’ online to present strong evidence, vowing to resign from his post if the integrity of the elections in the province is compromised. “I risk my position. If napatunayan niyo ‘yan, magre-resign ako (If you can prove that, I will resign),” he said in a media interview at the CABEZA Elementary School where he monitored the elections. He noted that the final testing and sealing of the machines went smoothly.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the peaceful and orderly elections in the province, with no major incidents reported as of early afternoon. ‘I hope the smooth election will continue today. I encourage everyone to vote for those whom they think will serve the public for the good of all,’ he said.
Polling precincts nationwide are set to close at 7 p.m.
