Miru condemns 'baseless' bribery allegations

MANILA, Philippines — South Korean technology firm Miru Systems «strongly» condemned bribery allegations hurled against it and implicating the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a statement, the firm said the accusations were «baseless and careless» and distracted it from its work with the Comelec for the upcoming 2025 elections.

«This is a serious allegation that should not have been made public without any evidence. This baseless and careless accusation not only maligns our reputation, it also detracts us from all the work that needs to be done with the Comelec for the 2025 National and Local Elections,» Miru said.

«We will cooperate with any government agency that will conduct an investigation and may even consider pursuing legal action, if necessary. We support the Comelec's call for redress in the proper forum,» it said.

Likewise, the Korean firm said it has nothing beyond a «professional relationship» with the Comelec and its chairman, George Garcia.

«Over the past year, we have worked to dutifully meet all requirements of the Terms of Reference, which have been crafted specifically for the needs of the Filipino people,» it said.

Miru said it provided «reliable election solutions» over the past 25 years, citing the five last presidential elections they served in South Korea.

«Integrity is key to our operations, all over the world,» the firm said.

«We are steadfast in our commitment to the manufacturing of the new automated counting machines and the various election peripherals in order to ensure a smooth and timely 2025 midterm elections for the Philippines,» it added.

Garcia is accused of receiving bribes from Miru, with some reports alleging that the money has been placed in 49 offshore bank accounts, an allegation he denies.

Miru is providing 110,000 vote counting machines for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025.