Preparations for the 2016 national and local elections is heating up. In fact, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has initiated the bidding for additional PCOS machines. Additional because the Comelec intends to re-use the PCOS machines that were used in the 2010 and 2013 elections.

The Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) recommended the re-use of the PCOS machines used in the 2010 and 2013 elections, provided that said existing stock be subjected to technical assessment to determine fitness for re-use in the 2016 elections. The CAC also recommended full implementation of all security and minimum technical capabilities defined under the Election Automation Law, Republic Act No. 8436 as amended by Republic Act No. 9369, as condition for re-use of the PCOS.