Davao City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday stated that it found "no irregularity" in the decision of its transmission service provider to temporarily store paraphernalia, specifically Starlink satellite transmission devices and solar panels, inside a residential area in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City. This move, which was reported on social media, pertains to preparations for the upcoming May 12 polls.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco clarified that the decision was made solely by the service provider, iOne Resources Joint Venture with Ardent Networks, Inc. (iOne JV). He emphasized that it is the responsibility of iOne JV to deploy the equipment efficiently, which includes the decision to temporarily store it in a staging area near the Offices of Election Officer (OEOs), prior to its distribution to voting and canvassing centers.
Laudiangco further explained that iOne JV identified the residential area as one of their staging hubs where equipment is temporarily stored before being delivered to OEOs in neighboring towns, cities, and throughout the province. To enhance security and transparency, the Field Operations Group has instructed iOne JV to relocate the Starlink devices and solar panels directly to the respective OEOs, under the supervision of Comelec employees and the Philippine National Police.
Based on the submitted list, only 10 sets of Starlink devices, solar panels, and batteries are involved in this storage. Laudiangco assured that after their placement at the Comelec offices, an inventory will be conducted immediately and a report will be prepared.
The private company informed Comelec that the use of the area is temporary, with installations at voting and canvassing centers throughout the Davao Region scheduled to start on April 15. This schedule aligns with the deployment and installation timeline for the national and local midterm elections.
Laudiangco clarified that the Starlink devices and solar panels are solely for transmission purposes and do not interact with the machines or programs for reading ballots and counting votes. Their role is limited to transmitting election returns and certificates of canvass. He reassured that no election program or software could compromise the automated counting machines, Consolidation and Canvassing Systems, or the entire Election Management System.
Election officers and provincial election supervisors across the country have been directed to inspect all hubs, warehouses, and storage areas of iOne JV within their jurisdictions, ensuring strict adherence to audit and security protocols. They are expected to report their findings to the Field Operations Group promptly.