By Nehmia Elyxa Relano

PHOTO: Manila Bulletin

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) insisted on Tuesday that there is no conflict of interest on the P535-million contract it gave to F2 Logistics, a firm with ties to Dennis Uy, a 2016 campaign fundraiser for President Rodrigo Duterte.

In an ANC interview, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said before F2 Logistics was given the project, poll officials investigated concerns of conflict of interest.

“First of all, the question of conflict of interest was looked at, talagang chineck yan ng ating [that was really checked by our] Bids and Awards Committee and it was found that there really was no grounds to say that there was a conflict of interest,” Jimenez stated.

"Why could it not be given to another bidder? Because our laws are very strict. You have a public bidding, you have rules you abide by, and when you have a lowest responsive bid, that's where you award it to," he added.

Furthermore, the Comelec defended its decision to engage in a contract with a business tied to President Rodrigo Duterte's major campaign contributor to supply ballots, vote-counting machines (VCMs), and other supplies for the May 9, 2022 elections.

Jimenez guaranteed that F2 Logistics Philippines Inc., cannot tamper with the outcome of the automated elections.

He also added that the delivery of election equipment and supplies to the voting centers “will be witnessed and monitored closely.”

According to the Comelec, F2 Logistics submitted the lowest bid of almost P536 million in August and both parties signed the deal on October 29.