QUEZON CITY – The civil society group “Right to Know, Right Now!” is calling on Miru Systems Co. Ltd. and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to be transparent regarding their joint venture agreement, following the departure of St. Timothy Construction Corporation (STCC).
The coalition expressed concern over the impact of STCC’s exit from the nearly P18-billion contract for the 2025 national and local elections, as STCC provided the financial capacity required for the project.
With STCC gone, the remaining partners in the joint venture are Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) and Center Point Solutions and Technologies, Inc. (CPSTI).
“Ilabas lahat ng mga detalye kung ano ang pangyayari at nagaganap ngayon sa kontrata… Sino ang sasalo ng financing na parang nakatengga sa ere lalo umalis na St. Timothy?” said Malou Mangahas, co-convenor of the organization and veteran journalist.
“There are gaps in the status now of the JV and therefore possibly gaps in trust, which could lead to reputational damage if the real situation regarding the contract remains unclear,” she added.
The coalition sent a formal letter to Miru Systems and its remaining partners, requesting full disclosure of all details concerning the joint venture, including updated financial documents, roles, and responsibilities. Additionally, they filed a freedom of information request with the Comelec for related documents.
“Dapat clean, honest, fair, and inclusive elections ang i-deliver nila. Comelec and the Miru JV must ensure full transparency and disclose everything so the public is aware if anything goes wrong and who is responsible,” Mangahas said.
Miru Systems responded, reassuring that they have the capability to complete the project and that 78,338 out of 110,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) have already been delivered.