VOTE COUNTING MACHINE (VCM) OPERATION PROCEDURES FOR FINAL TESTING AND SEALING (FTS); ELECTION DAY AND TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE 13 MAY 2019 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS.

WHEREAS, by virtue of Republic Act No. 9369, the Commission on Elections has resolved to adopt a paper-based automated election system (AES) in connection with the May 13, 2019 National, Local and ARMM Regional Elections, by using Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) in the voting, counting and transmission of election results from the precinct level, and the Consolidation Canvassing System (CCS) in the canvassing/consolidation of the electronically transmitted election results from the precinct/ city /municipal/ district/ provincial board of canvassers;

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2018, the Commission promulgated Resolution No. 10460, otherwise known as "General Instructions for the Electoral Boards (EBs) on the Process of Voting, Counting and Transmission of Election Results in Connection with the 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections";

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 9369, and other election laws, the Commission HEREBY RESOLVES to promulgate, the following VCM Operation procedures for (A) Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) (B) Election Day and (C) Transmission of Election Results in connection with the 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections.

Sec.1. Scope. - This VCM Operation Procedures shall supplement COMELEC Resolution No. 10460 dated December 61 2018 or otherwise known as "General Instructions for the Electoral Boards (EBs) on the Process of Voting, Counting and Transmission of Election Results in Connection with the 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections".

Sec.2. Final Testing and Sealing of Vote Counting Machine (VCM). The following procedures shall be followed during the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of Vote Counting Machine (VCM).

I FINAL TESTING AND SEALING OF VCM

Retrieve the VCM from its box.
Show to the public that the VCM slots labeled "A" and "B", where the main and back-up SD cards are individually stored, are sealed. These slots shall remain sealed throughout the FTS procedure.
Place the VCM properly on top of the ballot box.
Open the thermal paper printer cover and ensure that the roll of official thermal paper is properly installed.
Close the thermal paper printer cover.
Retrieve the battery cables inside the VCM box, connect the cables to the battery and connect the other end of the battery cable to the VCM DC power port.
Connect the power adaptor to the AC power port of the VCM and plug the other end of the adaptor to the electrical outlet.
Turn on the VCM.
The machine will display the loading screen and the Device Information. Wait until the VCM displays the message "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON".
The EB CHAIRPERSON shall:
1. Place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. A message "SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE" and the role of the EBs will be displayed on the screen;
2. Select "CHAIRMAN" profile
  1. The VCM will display the message "INPUT YOUR PIN".
  2. Enter the security PIN of CHAIRMAN.
In the MAIN Menu, the certified IT-capable EB member shall perform the following VCM diagnostics procedures:
1. Select "DIAGNOSTICS" option;
2. The VCM will display the "DIAGNOSTICS" Menu. Click the rounded-arrow button to scroll down the screen. Select "RUN ALL" option; and
3. After choosing "RUN ALL", the VCM will then display the message "AUDIO DIAGNOSTIC" test for speaker and headphone tests.
  1. To test the VCM speaker: The VCM will display "PLAYING SOUNDS..." and automatically play sounds on the VCM speakers.
  2. The VCM will display the message "DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS?" with "YES" and "NO" buttons. Press "YES" if you heard the sounds. "NO" if you didn't.
  3. After checking the speakers, the VCM will test the audio for headphones: If the headphones are connected, the VCM will automatically display "PLAYING SOUNDS ..."
  4. The VCM will display the message "DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS THROUGH THE LEFT CHANNEL OF THE HEADPHONES?" with "YES" and "NO" buttons. Press "YES" if you heard the sounds. "NO" if you did not.
  5. If the headphones are not connected, the VCM will display the message "CHECKING HEADPHONE CONNECTION... THE HEADPHONES ARE DISCONNECTED. PLEASE CONNECT THEM. THE HEADPHONE JACK WAS MARKED AS DEFECTIVE". Connect the headset to the audio port.
  6. The VCM will automatically play sounds displaying the message "PLAYING SOUNDS ... ".
  7. The VCM will display the message "DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS THROUGH THE LEFT CHANNEL OF THE HEADPHONES?" with "YES" and "NO" buttons. Press "YES" if you heard the sounds. "N0" if you did not.
  8. If speakers and headphones tests are successful, the VCM will display the message "AUDIO DIAGNOSTIC COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY".
4. The VCM will automatically proceed to the screen of testing the Cast and Return Buttons.
  1. The VCM will display the message "PLEASE PRESS THE CAST BUTTON". Press the GREEN BUTTON with ✓, located beside the screen.
  2. The VCM will display the message "PLEASE PRESS THE RETURN BUTTON". Press the RED BUTTON with X located beside the screen.
  3. If both buttons are working, the VCM will display the message "CAST/RETURN BUTTONS DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL".
5. The VCM will automatically perform next the ETHERNET DIAGNOSTIC. It will display the message "DETECTING NETWORK INTERFACES... PLEASE MAKE SURE THE NETWORKING CABLE OR MODEM DEVICE IS CONNECTED". Plug the ethernet cable. After testing the ethernet, the message "ETHERNET DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL" will be displayed on the screen. NOTE: This applies to areas using BGAN as transmission device.
6. "TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS" shall now be performed by the VCM. It will display the message "PLEASE INSERT THE GSM TRANSMISSION DEVICE". The following messages shall appear in this sequence:
  1. TRANSMITTING THE DlAGNOSTIC MESSAGE TO THE CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER (ATTEMPT 1 OF 2).
  2. If the first transmission attempt failed, it will display the message, "DIAGNOSTIC TRANSMISSION ATTEMPT TO CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER FAILED. THE CONNECTION TO THE SERVER COULD NOT BE ESTABLISHED"." THE VCM WILL AUTOMATICALLY RE-TRANSMIT AGAIN TO THE CENTRAL SERVER WITH MESSAGE, "TRANSMITTING THE DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE TO CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER (ATTEMPT (2 OF 2)."
  3. If TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS is successful, the following message will be displayed: "DIAGNOSTICS COMPLETED and TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS WAS SUCCESSFUL."
7. The VCM will proceed automatically to the "PRINTER DIAGNOSTIC". At this point, the VCM will display the message "PRINTING IMAGE" while simultaneously printing the image on the thermal paper. The image to be printed is also displayed on the VCM screen.
  
  After printing the image, the VCM will display the message "WAS THE IMAGE PRINTED CORRECTLY?" with "NO" and "YES" buttons. Press "YES" if it was correctly printed. "NO" if it wasn't.
8. The VCM shall now perform POWER DIAGNOSTIC next.
  1. It will display the message "TESTING BATTERY'S CHARGER CONNECTION... PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE BATTERY IS CONNECTED THEN DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD".
  2. Disconnect the power cord of the VCM.
  3. After disconnecting the power cord, it will then display the message "PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE POWER CORD IS CONNECTED AND THEN DISCONNECT THE BATTERY".
  4. Connect the power cord to the VCM, then disconnect the battery.
  5. The VCM will then display the message "THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED".
  6. If Power diagnostic is successful, the message "POWER SOURCE UNIT DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL" will be displayed on the screen. However, if the POWER DIAGNOSTIC failed, the message, "POWER DIAGNOSTIC HAS BEEN PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY CANCELLED" with DONE button.
9. The VCM will then display the message "TOUCHSCREEN DIAGNOSTIC" with the following instructions:
  1. "PRESS THE MARK ON TOP-LEFT CORNER." Press the blinking circle on the screen.
  2. "PRESS THE MARK ON TOP-RIGHT CORNER." Press the blinking circle on the screen.
  3. "PRESS THE MARK ON BOTTOM-RIGHT CORNER." Press the blinking circle on the screen.
  4. "PRESS THE MARK ON BOTTOM-LEFT CORNER." Press the blinking circle on the screen.
  5. Press DONE when completed.
10. The VCM will now proceed to SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC, and display the message "CONNECTING TO THE SCANNER DEVICE. PLEASE WAIT...", Wait for the VCM to display the message, "PLEASE INSERT THE DIAGNOSTIC BALLOT".
  1. Insert one (1) FTS ballot.
  2. If the scanning is successful, the "BALLOT DETECTION," located at the upper left portion of the screen will be marked with ✓; if unsuccessful, it will be marked with X.
  3. The scanner will perform the following tests:
    - Distortion test;
    - Guide marks;
    - Fiducial marks;
    - QR codes;
    - Grayscale; and
    - Digital lines.
11. After checking the scanner, the VCM screen will display the image of the ballot. Press the "TOP" button to see the front image of the ballot. Press "BOTTOM" button to see the back of the image of the ballot. Press "+ZOOM"button to zoom in the image or "-ZOOM" button to zoom out. Press "BACK" button to continue the test. The VCM will display the message "DO THE IMAGES CORRESPOND TO THE PHYSICAL BALLOT?" with "YES" and "NO" options. Press "YES" if the images correspond to the physical ballot or "NO" if it does not.
12. If the scanner passed all of the foregoing tests, the VCM will display the message "SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL".
13. The VCM will now automatically return to the "VCM DIAGNOSTIC" screen and display ✓ on "Scanner."
14. If no FTS ballot inserted, the VCM will display the message, "SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC TIMEOUT HAS EXPIRED" with DONE button.
15. The VCM will now display the message "USB PORTS DIAGNOSTIC" with the following instructions:
  1. "INSERT THE USB DEVICE IN THE UPPER PORT. IF THE USB DEVICE IS ALREADY INSERTED, PLEASE REMOVE IT AND INSERT IT AGAIN".
  2. Insert USB in the upper USB port
  3. The VCM shall then display the message "REMOVE THE USB MODEM FROM UPPER PORT. THE USB UPPER PORT TEST HAS BEEN COMPLETED".
  4. The VCM will then display the message "INSERT THE USB MODEM IN THE LOWER PORT. IF THE MODEM IS ALREADY INSERTED, PLEASE REMOVE IT AND INSERT IT AGAIN".
  5. Insert the USB in the lower USB port and a message will be displayed: "REMOVE THE USB MODEM FROM LOWER PORT. THE USB LOWER PORT TEST HAS BEEN COMPLETED".
16. Upon completion the USB port diagnostic test, the VCM will display the message "THE USB PORT DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL".
17. The VCM will automatically return to the main screen of the "VCM DIAGNOSTIC" and display ✓ on the "USB ports''.
18. The VCM shall automatically print the diagnostic report. The messages "PRINT DIAGNOSTIC REPORT" and "GENERATING THE REPORT... SAVING THE REPORT... PRINTING REPORT... " will be displayed on the screen while simultaneously printing the report.
19. Detach the printed diagnostic report and place it inside the envelope (A17- TS) provided for the purpose.
20. After printing the diagnostic report if some tests were skipped or unsuccessful, the VCM shall display the message, "SOME ACTIVITIES WERE NOT COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY. UNSUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES: [NO. OF UNSUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES] SKIPPED ACTIVITIES: [NO. OF SKIPPED ACTIVITIES" with DONE button. Click the DONE button to return to the DIAGNOSTICS MENU.
21. Click the rounded X button in the bottom left part of the screen to return to the MAIN MENU.
The IT-capable EB member will then select "OPEN VOTING". The VCM will then display the message "INPUT PIN FOR BEI CHAIRMAN TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF OPEN VOTING". Enter the authorized password/pin of the CHAIRMAN.
The VCM is now ready to print the Initialization Report. The messages "OPEN POLLS" and "GENERATING THE REPORT... SAVING THE REPORT... PRINTING REPORT... " will appear on the screen while simultaneously printing the initialization report. The report shall show Zero (0) vote for each candidate including the graphic information (region, province, city /municipality, voting center, precincts in a cluster), machine ID, clustered precinct ID, VCM status, number of registered voters, number of voters who voted, and number of valid ballots cast.
After printing the Initialization Report, the VCM will display the message "OPEN POLLS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY"; "TRANSITION TO OPEN STATE IS VALID" with DONE button.
Detach the Initialization Report. The Chairperson, EB member and poll clerk, including the representatives of the political parties, candidates, or citizens' arms present, shall affix their signatures thereon. Place the initialization report in the envelope (A17-TS) provided for the purpose.
After printing the initialization report, press the "DONE" button and the VCM will automatically return to the Election Menu. Press the "GO TO VOTING" button.
The VCM will automatically print the STATUS REPORT and will then display the message, "GO TO VOTING COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY"; "VOTING HAS BEEN ENABLED ON THIS DEVICE" with DONE button. Press DONE button.
The VCM is now ready to accept ballots. At this time, the VCM screen will display the message "PLEASE INSERT YOUR MARKED BALLOT INTO THE SCANNER SLOT".
Ensure that the INSERT BALLOT screen displays the following details:
The VCM shall interpret the ballot. The message "YOUR BALLOT IS BEING PROCESSED" will be displayed on the screen.
1. After processing, the VCM shall display the following messages "YOUR VOTE IS BEING PRINTED" while simultaneously printing the voter's receipt.
2. The messages, "DEPOSITING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX" and "YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN CAST" will be displayed in the screen respectively.
After the ten (10) voters have cast their votes, close the voting by performing the following procedures:
1. The Chairperson shall place his/her iButton security key on top of the iButton security key receptacle, apply slight pressure thereto, after which the VCM will display message "SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE";
2. Select "MEMBERS," the VCM will then display the message "SELECT THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE" with "BEI MEMBER" and "BEI POLL CLERK" options.
  1. Select "BEI MEMBER".
  2. The VCM will display the message "INPUT YOUR PIN".
  3. Enter the security PIN of BEl member. A message "THE USER BEI MEMBER WAS AUTHENTICATED SUCCESSFULLY" appears on the screen and the VCM will return to the previous display - "THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE".
  4. Select "BEI POLL CLERK"
  5. The VCM displays "INPUT YOUR PIN".
The VCM shall then display the MAIN MENU. From the Main Menu, choose the option "CLOSE VOTING".
After choosing Close Voting, the VCM shall display the message "INPUT PIN FOR BEI MEMBER TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING". After successfully input the PIN for BEI Member, the VCM will display the message "INPUT PIN FOR BEI POLL CLERK TO CONFIRM EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING"
The VCM prompts to add signatures to the election results. The screen will display "Press NEXT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS. (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 0 and the NEXT button. The Chairperson shall press "NEXT".
1. The VCM will require the security key password, and will display the message "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON FOR THE SIGNING PROCESS" with CANCEL button. Tap the iButton in the Ibutton slot to add signatures to the election results.
2. The CHAIRPERSON will place his/her iButton (security key) on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The CHAIRPERSON shall now enter his/her digital signature password.
3. The VCM shall thereafter display the message "SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED".
4. The VCM shall display the message screen for adding digital signature with message, "DO YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with the SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 1 and the "NO" and "YES" options. The poll clerk shall press "YES".
5. The Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton (security key) on top of the IButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The poll clerk shall now enter his/her digital signature password. The VCM shall thereafter display the message "SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED".
6. The VCM shall again display the message screen for adding digital signature with message, "DO YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with the SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 2 and the "NO" and "YES'' options. The Third Member shall press "YES".
7. Upon pressing the "YES" button, the VCM will require the security key password, thus "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON TO BE REGISTERED" with CANCEL button". The EB MEMBER will place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The EB Third Member shall now enter his/her digital signature password.
The VCM displays the message, "CHANGING THE VOTING MACHINE STATE TO CLOSED". The VCM shall automatically print the eight (8) copies of the NATIONAL returns, and eight (8) copies of the LOCAL returns. Detach the election returns and place them in the envelope provided for the purpose.
After printing the eight (8) copies of National returns and eight (8) copies of Local returns, it will automatically print the STATISTICAL REPORT and the VCM will display the message "DO YOU WANT TO TRANSMIT ELECTION RESULTS?" with "NO" or "YES" options. Choose "NO".

The message, "TRANSMIT RESULTS HAS BEEN PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY CANCELED" with DONE button. Click this button.

NOTE: For purposes of FTS, no transmission of election results will be performed.
The VCM will then print the twenty-two (22) copies of National returns and the twenty-two (22) copies of Local returns. After printing the reports, the VCM will display the message "CLOSE POLLS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY".

NOTE: For the purpose of FTS, there will be no printing of additional 22 copies of ERs.

To cancel the printing, open the printer port, the VCM will display "THE REPORT COULD NOT BE PRINTED. PLEASE CHECK THE PRINTER COVER OF THE PAPER" WITH "RETRY" AND "SKIP" OPTION. PRESS "SKIP" BUTTON. The VCM will then display the message "Close polls completed successfully" with "Done" button. Press "Done" button to complete the voting process.
"VOTING PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED". The VCM will return to the Main Menu and is now in CLOSED STATE.
The Chairperson shall now Re-Zero the VCM. From the Main Menu, the Chairperson shall select "UTILITIES" then choose the "RE-ZERO" option.
The message "INPUT PIN FOR 'RE-ZERO'" will be displayed on the screen. The Chairperson shall then input the re-zero PIN.
The message, "YOU ARE ABOUT TO DELETE 10 BALLOTS. ARE YOU SURE TO PROCEED?" with NO and YES buttons, press the YES button.
While the VCM is re-zeroing all data, it will display the message "ENSURING THAT VOTE COUNTERS ARE SET TO ZERO..."
The VCM shall then print the RE-ZERO REPORT.
After the printing of Re-zero report, the message "THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO SHUTDOWN. TO SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM PRESS THE 'OK' BUTTON" will be displayed. Press OK button to shut down the VCM.

Sec. 3. Election Day. The following procedures shall be followed during Election Day of Vote Counting Machine (VCM).

II ELECTION DAY

Retrieve the VCM from its box.
Show to the public that the VCM slots labeled "A" and "B", where the main and back-up SD cards are individually stored, are sealed.
Place the VCM properly on top of the ballot box.
Open the thermal paper printer cover and ensure that the roll of official thermal paper is properly installed.
Close the thermal paper printer cover.
Retrieve the battery cables inside the VCM box, connect the cables to the battery and connect the other end of the battery cable to the VCM DC power port.
Connect the power adaptor to the AC power port of the VCM and plug the other end of the adaptor to the electrical outlet;
Turn on the VCM;
The machine will display the loading screen and the Device Information. Wait until the VCM displays the message "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON";
The EB CHAIRPERSON shall:

Place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. A message "SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE" and the role of the EBs will be displayed on the screen then select "CHAIRMAN".
The VCM will display the message "INPUT YOUR PIN". Enter the security PIN of EB CHAIRMAN. The VCM will display the MAIN MENU.
The EB CHAIRPERSON will then select "OPEN VOTING".
1. The VCM will then display the message "INPUT PIN FOR BEI CHAIRMAN TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF OPEN VOTING". Enter the role pin.
2. The VCM is now ready to print the Initialization Report. The messages "OPEN POLLS" and "GENERATING THE REPORT... SAVING THE REPORT. .. PRINTING REPORT..." will appear on the screen while simultaneously printing the initialization report. The report shall show Zero (0) vote for each candidate including the graphic information (region, province, city /municipality, voting center, precincts in a cluster), machine ID, clustered precinct ID, VCM status, number of registered voters, number of voters who voted; and number of valid ballots cast.
3. After printing the Initialization Report, the VCM will display the message "OPEN POLLS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY. TRANSITION TO OPEN STATE IS VALID" with DONE button.
4. Detach the Initialization Report. The Chairperson, EB member and Poll Clerk, including the representatives of the political parties, candidates, or citizens' arms present, shall affix their signatures thereon. Place the initialization report in the envelope (A17-TS) provided for the purpose.
5. After printing the initialization report, press the "DONE" button and the VCM will automatically return to the Election Menu. Click the "GO TO VOTING" button.
6. The VCM will automatically print the "STATUS REPORT".
7. The VCM will then display the message, "GO TO VOTING COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY" "Voting has been enabled on this device"with DONE button. Press "DONE"button.
The VCM is now ready to accept ballots. At this time, the VCM screen will display the message "PLEASE INSERT YOUR MARKED BALLOT INTO THE SCANNER SLOT".
After the voter inserted the filled ballot in the ballot entry:
1. The VCM shall interpret the ballot. The message "YOUR BALLOT IS BEING PROCESSED" will be displayed on the screen;
2. After processing, the VCM shall display the following messages "YOUR VOTE IS BEING PRINTED" while simultaneously printing the voter's receipt; and
3. The messages, "DEPOSITING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX" and "YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN CAST" will be displayed in the screen respectively.
After the end of the Election, close the voting by performing the following procedures:
1. The Chairperson shall place his/her iButton security key on top of the iButton security key receptacle, apply slight pressure thereto, after which the VCM will display message "SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE";
2. Select "MEMBERS," the VCM will then display the message "SELECT THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE" with "BEI MEMBER" and "BEI POLL CLERK" options.
  1. Select "BEI MEMBER".
  2. The VCM will display the message "INPUT YOUR PIN".
  3. Enter the security PIN of EB member. A message "THE USER BEI MEMBER WAS AUTHENTICATED SUCCESSFULLY" appears on the screen and the VCM will return to the previous display - "SELECT THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE".
  4. Select "BEI POLL CLERK".
  5. The VCM displays "INPUT YOUR PIN".
  6. The VCM shall then display the MAIN MENU. From the Main Menu, choose the option "CLOSE VOTING"
  7. After choosing Close Voting, the VCM shall display the message "INPUT PIN FOR BEI MEMBER TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING". After successfully input of the PIN for BEI Member, the VCM will display the message z"INPUT PIN FOR BEI POLL CLERK TO CONFIRM EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING".
  8. The VCM prompts to add signatures to the election results. The screen will display "Press NEXT TO ADD SIGNATURES TO THE ELECTION RESULTS. (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 0 and the NEXT button. The Chairperson shall press "NEXT".
  9. The VCM will require the security key password, and will display the message "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON TO BE REGISTERED" with CANCEL button. Tap the iButton in the iButton slot to add signatures to the election results.
  10. The CHAIRPERSON will place his/her iButton (security key) on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The CHAIRPERSON shall now enter his/her digital signature password.
  11. The VCM shall thereafter display the message "SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED".
  12. The VCM shall display the message screen for adding digital signature with message, "DO YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with the SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 1 and the "NO" and "YES" options. The POLL CLERK shall press "YES".
  13. The Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton (security key) on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The Poll Clerk shall now enter his/her digital signature password. The VCM shall thereafter display the message "SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED".
  14. The VCM shall again display the message screen for adding digital signature with message, "DO YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURE?: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]" along with the SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 2 and the "NO" and "YES" options. The Third Member shall press "YES".
  15. Upon pressing the "YES" button, the VCM will require the security key password, thus "PLEASE TAP IN THE SLOT THE IBUTTON TO BE REGISTERED" with CANCEL button. The EB MEMBER will place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message "PLEASE INPUT THE ROLE PIN". The EB Third Member shall now enter his/her digital signature password.
3. The VCM displays the message, "CHANGING THE VOTING MACHINE STATE TO CLOSED". The VCM shall automatically print the eight (8) copies of the NATIONAL returns, and eight (8) copies of the LOCAL returns. Detach the election returns and place them in the envelope provided for the purpose.
4. After printing the eight (8) copies of National returns and eight (8) copies of Local returns, it will automatically print the STATISTICAL REPORT and the VCM will display the message "DO YOU WANT TO TRANSMIT ELECTION RESULTS?" with "NO" or "YES" options. Choose "YES".
5. The VCM will display "PLEASE INSERT THE GSM TRANSMISSION DEVICE".
6. Once the VCM machine detects the presence of a transmission medium, it will automatically transmit the data. Then, the VCM will display the message "THE RESULTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY TRANSMITTED TO MBOC/CENTRAL/KBP SERVER". This indicates successful transmission. The VCM will automatically print a Transmission Report.
7. The VCM will then print the twenty-two (22) copies of National returns and the twenty-two (22) copies of Local returns. After printing the reports, the VCM will display the message "CLOSE POLLS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY".
  
  If transmission is not successful, check transmission device if properly connected then re-transmit the results.
  
  From the manage polls screen, press "Re-transmit results", A message will appear "Do you want to transmit the election results?". With "YES" and "NO" options. Press "YES".
  
  Select "All servers" button to transmit results to C/MBOC, Transparency and Central Server.
8. "VOTING PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED". The VCM will return to the Main Menu and is now in CLOSED STATE.
From the Election menu footer, press "Reports". Reports screen will be displayed. Click the down arrow on the right side to reveal "Print audit log" button. Press the "Print audit log" button.

"Date and Time Stamp" will be displayed. Check the date and time on the screen. If incorrect, input the correct date and time then press the "check" button on the lower right of the screen to start printing.
From the Election menu, press Write Protect Data option.
1. The VCM prompts the user to confirm the lockup of the external SD memory with message "Write protecting cannot be reversed. Do you want to continue? "with "YES" or "NO" options. Press "YES" to confirm the lock-up of the SD memory.
2. The machine identifies that the SD is a WORM. The VCM locks the backup memory, displays a message informing about the result of the operation. Press "OK" button to Shut Down the VCM.

Sec. 4. Authority of the Commission to Adopt Additional Procedures. The Commission may adopt additional VCM operation procedures in the voting, counting and transmission to fulfil its Constitutional mandate to ensure free, orderly, honest, and peaceful and credible elections.

Sec. 5. Effectivity and Dissemination. - This Resolution shall take effect after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

The Education and Information Department (EID) shaJI cause the publication of this Resolution and shall furnish copies thereof to all Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors, Election Officers and Electoral Boards nationwide.

SO ORDERED.

SIGNED:

SHERIFF M. ABAS, Chairman
AL A. PARREÑO, Commissioner
LUIE TITO F. GUIA, Commissioner
MA. ROWENA AMELIA V. GUANZON, Commissioner
SOCORRO B. INTING, Commissioner
MARLON S. CASQUEJO, Commissioner
ANTONIO JR. T. KHO, Commissioner

Attachment(s)

Signed Copy [.pdf 1,527 KB]

Resolution No. 10487

VOTE COUNTING MACHINE (VCM) OPERATION PROCEDURES FOR FINAL TESTING AND SEALING (FTS); ELECTION DAY AND TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE 13 MAY 2019 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS.

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