Shining Light on Miru's Election Contract R2KRN Petitions SC for Transparency

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Title Shining Light on Miru's Election Contract R2KRN Petitions SC for Transparency

As the May 12 elections approach, a coalition of civil society organizations has taken a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The Right to Know, Right Now Coalition (R2KRN) has petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Miru Systems Joint Venture to disclose key documents related to their contract.

The petition is a crucial milestone in the pursuit of transparency in government contracts involving public interest. R2KRN, comprising public servants, migrant workers, environmental advocates, labor unions, human rights defenders, and independent media organizations, emphasizes that full disclosure is essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.

The petition follows concerns over the withdrawal of St. Timothy Construction Corporation, a key Filipino partner of Miru Systems Joint Venture, which secured funding for the joint venture. The withdrawal raises questions about the financial viability of the remaining partners and their ability to fulfill their contractual obligations with Comelec.

What's at Stake?

R2KRN fears that the joint venture may lack the necessary financial backing, jeopardizing the success of the May 12 polls. To address these concerns, the coalition is seeking access to financial records, ownership agreements, and contract details to ensure compliance with Philippine laws, particularly the 60-40 foreign ownership rule governing public infrastructure projects.

Miru Systems' Response

In a statement, Miru Systems assured Comelec that they can fulfill the contract by submitting updated financial records and stating that they have already delivered 78,000 of the required 110,000 automated counting machines for the elections. The company also insisted that despite St. Timothy's withdrawal, the joint venture remains 60 percent Filipino-owned.

The Path Forward

R2KRN has given Miru Systems a 15-working-day deadline to provide the requested documents. If the company fails to do so, the coalition vowed to pursue further legal action, including judicial remedies, to hold Comelec and Miru accountable. The petitioners believe that this case will set a precedent for future government contracts involving public interest.

Conclusion

The Right to Know, Right Now Coalition's petition is a crucial step towards ensuring transparency in government contracts. By demanding access to key documents related to the Miru Systems Joint Venture contract, R2KRN aims to protect the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the constitutional right to information. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize transparency and accountability to build public trust in our democratic institutions.

Keywords Right to Know, Right Now Coalition, Comelec, Miru Systems Joint Venture, election contract, transparency, accountability, May 12 polls, Supreme Court, Philippine laws

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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