Lacson, Pacquiao want Comelec system audited amid hacking concerns

Presidential aspirants Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao are urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow experts and political parties to audit its security system following reports of alleged hacking incidents.

Senator Lacson emphasized the need for Comelec to be transparent about the hacking claims and their findings, stating that opening the system to independent experts and stakeholders is crucial for ensuring the transparency and accountability necessary for credible elections.

Senator Pacquiao added that the Comelec should allow political parties to conduct an independent investigation while Congress exercises its oversight powers.

Pacquiao also highlighted that this is not the first time Comelec has been hacked, indicating serious security flaws in the poll body's computer system.

He stressed that Comelec must clarify the actual events and their impact on the upcoming elections, and also reveal any contingency plans for a compromised automated polling system.

Samar Rep. Edgar Mary S. Sarmiento called for an oversight committee, composed of members of Congress and Comelec, to convene and investigate the alleged hacking incident, citing Republic Act No. 8436 or the Automated Election Law which grants Congress authority to look into such matters.

Sarmiento stated that the committee has the power to hire consultants for project monitoring and IT concerns related to the election system.