Following the pilot testing of the automated system in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on August 11, 2008, Libertás, in partnership with the UP Law Student Government, conducted a Round Table Discussion on August 28, 2008 at the University of the Philippines Law Center, with the purpose of to steering debates on the impact of an automated election on people’s right of suffrage, the administration of elections and the adjudication of election contests.
COMELEC Chairman Jose Melo sent Commissioner Leonardo Leonida and some top officials of the Commission, including Executive Director Jose Tolentino, Jr., to present the Commission’s views on the recently concluded automated ARMM Elections.
LENTE volunteers Krizna Gomez and Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic also gave their personal observations. Representatives from non-governmental organizations, the Senate Electoral Tribunal, election law practitioners, law students and machine providers also joined the discussion.
