29/08 2010 17:40 5262552 WANILA PAVILION HOTEL #0498 Poot Republic of the Philippines Senate Pasay City Goan Ponce Ewe Senate President September 22, 2010 Mr. FERNANDO GONZAGA II Pinagkaisang Lakas at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan ng Antipolo (PLUMA) 217 Gatsville Compund., C. Lawis Ext., Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo City Dear Mr. Gonzaga Il : We acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter dated August 31, 2010 requesting the Senate to direct the appropriate agency to conduct further forensic examination on the remaining twenty-seven (27) out of the sixty (60) PCOS machines in the custody of the Senate, which the Joint Forensic Team created by Congress was unable to examine for lack of material time. We understand and appreciate your concems for the conduct of further examinations on the remaining twenty-seven (27) machines, in order to put a closure to alleged irregularities which were creating doubts in the minds of the people of Antipolo with regard the integrity of the recently concluded elections. With the proclamation by Congress siting as National Board of Canvassers of the President-elect and Vice-President-elect on June 9, 2010 however, it has by implication, declared its satisfaction with the authenticity and due execution of the retums for President and Vice- President. In view thereof, further scrutiny by Congress of the machines in the possession of the Senate has been rendered moot. Thus, | have already directed the Senate Secretary to cause the retum of all PCOS machines in the custody of the Senate to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), consistent with its mandate as provided for in the Constitution.