THE integrity and credibility of election results has been questioned since the automated election system (AES) was first used in 2010. Erroneous count of voters, varying date and time stamps, presence of digital lines on ballot images, implementation of machine digital signatures and non-implementation of the voter verifiable paper audit trail were among the errors and noncompliance to requirements provided in the Election Automation Law or Republic Act 8436 as amended by RA 9369.

Two glaring incidents heightened suspicions of hacking or system interference.