After the voting machine manufacturer was linked to a corruption investigation by the US government, the Philippine electoral regulator prohibited the company from submitting bids for election contracts.
The local branch of its parent company, Smartmatic Philippines Inc., with its headquarters in London, was barred by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for endangering the “integrity” of upcoming elections in the Philippines.
According to the Comelec ruling made public to reporters, the ban is the result of an investigation that the US Justice Department opened against former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista for alleged charges of money laundering, wire fraud, conspiracy, and corruption.
“Given the gravity of allegations related to bribery and compromised procurement processes, as independently determined by foreign bodies, the Commission recognises the imminent threat to the strength and integrity of our democratic processes,” it said.
“Smartmatic Philippines, Inc. is disqualified and disallowed from participating in any public bidding process for elections.”
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