Poll technology provider partner backs out of joint venture

Metro Manila, Philippines — One of the local companies in the poll technology provider joint venture has withdrawn from the entity to avoid possible conflict of interest over supposed candidacy plans.

In a briefing, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed the pullout of St. Timothy Construction Corporation (STCC) from the joint venture led by South Korea-based Miru Systems Co. Ltd.

“Nakatanggap kami ng liham mula sa joint venture ng Miru System kung saan kami ay na-inform nila na ‘yung pangatlong partner sa joint venture para sa pag-supply ng software, hardware, at printing machines na dinala sa National Printing Office ay nag withdraw sa joint venture partners,” Comelec chairperson George Garcia said.

[Translation: We received a letter from the Miru joint venture where they informed us that the third partner to supply software, hardware, and printing machines given to the National Printing Office has withdrawn.]

Garcia added STCC served as the credit line of the joint venture to prove it has the financial capacity.

“While STCC played a role in meeting regulatory compliance requirements, they did not contribute to the development of our voting machines or services to be used in the 2025 National and Local Elections,” Miru Systems said in a statement.

Garcia said Comelec received information of some personalities connected with the construction firm planning to run for elective positions in Pasig City. He added that it seems the certificate of candidacy has not yet been filed.

“We will not allow the integrity of our elections [to] be questioned simply because one of our contracting partners will run,” Garcia said.

Besides STCC, other local partners are Integrated Computer Systems and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies Inc..

Miru Systems was the lone bidder in the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project worth ₱18.8 billion for the midterm elections in May 2025.

Lawmakers have previously raised concerns about Miru Systems’ performance, particularly election failures in Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The South Korean firm has belied the allegations.

Miru Systems said it remains focused in its preparations, mentioning that it already delivered 50,000 automated counting machines and undergoing thorough acceptance tests.