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Comelec Stands Firm: Manual Recount Needs Legislative Action and Funding

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has firmly stated that a manual recount of votes for the upcoming Eleksyon 2025 elections is not currently feasible. Their reasoning hinges on the existing Automated Election Law, which does not provide for a mechanism or dedicated budget for manual vote counting. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions and petitions regarding electoral processes and ensuring transparency in the Philippines’ democratic system.

Legal Hurdles and the Need for Amendment

According to Comelec officials, the current Automated Election Law, established to streamline and expedite the voting process, does not include provisions for a manual recount. To accommodate such a request, a significant legal adjustment would be necessary. This could involve amending the existing law or, potentially, enacting a completely new law specifically addressing the procedures and requirements for manual vote verification.

“The law simply doesn’t allow for it,” explained Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez during a press briefing. “A manual recount isn't something we can just do on a whim. It requires a legal framework and, crucially, the financial resources to support it.”

Budgetary Implications: A Significant Financial Burden

Beyond the legal framework, Comelec emphasizes the substantial financial implications of conducting a nationwide manual recount. The sheer scale of the operation – involving thousands of vote counting machines, election officials, and logistical support – would necessitate a considerable budget allocation. Comelec estimates that a manual recount could easily run into millions of pesos, a sum that is not currently factored into their existing budget for Eleksyon 2025.

“We need to be realistic about the costs involved,” said Comelec Chairman George Garcia. “A manual recount isn’t just about counting ballots; it’s about deploying personnel, securing facilities, ensuring chain of custody, and managing the entire process transparently. All of that comes with a price tag.”

Transparency and Public Trust in the Automated System

While Comelec acknowledges the concerns driving calls for a manual recount – primarily related to public trust and ensuring the accuracy of the automated election system – they maintain that the system has proven reliable over the years. They highlight the various safeguards and audit trails built into the automated process, including the Voter Verification System (VVS) and the Quick Count system, which provide layers of verification.

Comelec has repeatedly emphasized their commitment to transparency and has invited observers and stakeholders to monitor the election process closely. They also plan to continue improving the automated system based on feedback and lessons learned from previous elections.

Looking Ahead: Legislative Action Needed

For a manual recount to become a reality in Eleksyon 2025, the onus is now on the legislative branch to act. Lawmakers would need to initiate and pass the necessary amendments or a new law, and secure the required funding. Until that happens, Comelec maintains, a manual recount remains an impractical and legally impossible scenario.

The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding electoral processes in the Philippines, and the need for continuous refinement and adaptation to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the democratic system.