Comelec to file motion for reconsideration on SC's voter's receipt order
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will file a motion for reconsideration (MR) for the Supreme Court to review its order to the poll body of issuing voter's receipts in the 2016 elections.
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said on Wednesday (March 9) the poll body will file the MR as soon as possible. He has expressed their plans to Solicitor General Florin Hilbay.
The poll body discussed in an emergency meeting on Wednesday the impacts of the added process to its preparation timetable and how it will impact the voting process on election day (May 9).
"Today was a day for fact finding, to make sure that we knew what the opinions and expert advice so we can make an informed decision moving forward," said Bautista.
The Comelec also asked for a chance to demonstrate the features of the vote-counting machines to the Supreme Court justices, so they may better understand the Comelec's decision of voting against issuing voter's receipts.
"Ang gusto namin ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon na mai-demo yung makina sa Korte Suprema para makita din ng ating mga Justices mismo kung paano siya tumatakbo at ano ang mga features, at ang aming mga rason kung bakit sa aming palagay ay hindi kakayanin o talagang ma-outweigh ang advantage vs. disadvantage ng pagiimprenta ng resibo."
Bautista added that given the current electoral system, the disadvantages of printing voter's receipts outweigh the advantages.
Related: Comelec to comply but dismayed over SC order to print ballot receipts
The Comelec en banc will hold a special en banc meeting on Thursday to further discuss the issue.
Last March 4, the poll body announced that it unanimously voted against the issuance of voter's receipt for the fear that it would breed vote-buying.
It has earlier proposed that it will instead use the onscreen verification feature of the vote-counting machines to double check the votes cast.
Related: Comelec: No printed voting receipts, but onscreen verification enabled for May elections
The Supreme Court, however, also voted unanimously on Tuesday that the Comelec should issue receipts to ensure a clean, honest, and orderly elections.
Voting 14-0 against the Comelec's decision, the court is not likely to overturn its decision unless the poll body would convince the high tribunal otherwise.
Related: Supreme Court orders Comelec to issue voter's receipts for 2016 elections
