BAGUMBAYAN, Taguig City, May 13, 2013—Voter turnout at the 75 polling precincts under the Diocese of Pasig was “excellent” but several precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines malfunctioned early on Election Day.
Fr. Loreto “Jun” Sanchez, priest-coordinator of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in the Diocese of Pasig, said majority of the voters in Pasig, Pateros and Taguig have showed up to vote early today.
“Maganda ang voter turn out. Maaga silang dumagsa as presinto para bumoto,” he said.
But Sanchez noted glitches in the PCOS machines that marred the mood and enthusiasm of the early voters. He said there were at least four PCOS machines that malfunctioned throughout the diocese as of 8:30 am.
“May mga report na hindi nag-on yung PCOS machines, mayroon ding hindi tumatanggap ng balota. Pero ipinagpapatuloy ang botohan kahit ganun,” he said.
Sanchez also reported about power interruption in a barangay Lower Bicutan in Taguig.
The priest however could not confirm reports of vote buying in several areas under the diocese, citing lack of evidence.
“Hindi ko sinasabing wala pero hindi ko ma-confirm dahil walang testigo,” Sanchez added.
There are some 1,800 lay and religious PPCRV volunteers throughout the Diocese of Pasig who are currently monitoring the conduct of elections in some 75 polling precincts in the diocese and assisting voters’ concerns. (CBCPNews)
