It’s official: Comelec signs P536-M contract with Duterte pal
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has signed with a company linked to a close associate of President Rodrigo Duterte the contract to distribute the ballots, vote-counting machines, and other supplies for the May 9, 2022, elections. Comelec and F2 Logistics Philippines Inc., a cargo forwarder linked to Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy, signed on Oct. 29 the deal worth P536 million, according to a copy of the contract posted on Sunday on the poll body’s website. It was signed by Comelec Chair Sheriff Abas and F2 Logistics president Efren Uy. Since Comelec awarded the contract to F2 Logistics last August, poll watchdogs and critics have questioned a possible conflict of interest in entrusting the transportation of election equipment and supplies to a major campaign donor of President Duterte. “It seems that way since a campaign distributor will now be given a contract. It’s like payment for the contribution. It raises doubts, it doesn’t look good,” Nationa...