FINAL TESTING AND SEALING
At least three (3) days before Election Day
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS
MAY 10, 2010
PCOS TECHNICIANS
PROTOCOL
Final Testing and
Sealing

Receiving from the PCOS Technician each PCOS box
with the corresponding ballot box and bringing to the
NOTE: The PCOS Technician shall bring his fully
charged mobile phone (with charger) and writing pen.
ATTENDANCE
The PCOS Technician shall arrive in the assigned polling
place not later than the time specified by the Election officer
of the concerned municipality.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for
attendance reporting according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report your attendance to NSC.
BALLOT BOX RECEPTION
The PCOS Technician shall conduct the following activities:

Receive the ballot boxes assigned to the polling place
from the logistics provider.

The number of ballot boxes should correspond to the
number of PCOS boxes received.

Ensure that all the components of the ballot box are
complete - sliding cover, top cover and bottom bin.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (BALLOT BOX RECEPTION) according to the
guidelines provided. If no text confirmation is received
or an error message is received from NSC, send a text
message to your respective Supervisor requesting
assistance to report the status of reception.
RECEPTION

THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
ACTIVITIES with the assistance of the PCOS Technician
(when requested):
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (RECEPTION) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of reception.
assigned polling place.

Showing to the public that the PCOS box is sealed.

Removing the seal and opening the PCOS box.

Getting the checklist.
IMPORTANT: The checklist has to be signed by the BEI
and PCOS Technician to ensure all contents are
complete.

Verifying if the serial number of the PCOS matches with
the serial number indicated in the checklist.

Verifying the contents of the PCOS box:
o PCOS Machine with the sealed Main Memory Card
compartment (Do not break the seal.)
o Rolls of thermal paper (1 installed, 3 backup)
o Backup Memory Card inside a clear plastic bag.
o Power cord of the PCOS machine
o IButton Security Key found inside the printer
compartment (verify during INSTALLATION)
o Spare iButton Security Key (found inside the box)
o Auto Sealed Stickers (3 PINS for BEI, 1 PIN for Re-
Zero) inside the plastic.
o Marking pens
o Checklist
o Sticker seals (1 green, 1 yellow)
o Ten (10) Test Ballots
o Clear Packaging Tape
If applicable:
o PCOS Modem
o PCOS Modem Antenna
o Transmission Cable (PCOS-Modem Connection)
o SIM card kit

Opening the Battery box and verifying the contents as
follows:
o Battery
o Battery Cable
o Butterfly Nut and Bolt
o Tool

Connecting the black wire of the battery cable to the black
or negatively charged terminal of the battery using the
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 1 of 8
 tool, butterfly nut and bolt. Connecting the red wire of the
battery cable to the red or positively charged terminal of
the battery.

Opening the BGAN box (if applicable) and verifying the
contents as follows:
o BGAN Antenna
o BGAN Battery
o SIM Card
o Power cord
o Power Adaptor
o RJ 45 LAN cable
o Electrical extension cord
o Modem
o Modem transmission cable (PCOS-Bridge connection)
NOTE: Call the PCOS Supervisor for any missing
peripherals.

Retrieving the auto sealed stickers that contain the PIN
for the BEI’s and the Re-zero PIN.

Distributing the auto sealed stickers to the Poll Clerk and
Third Member respectively. The BEI Chairman shall keep
the Re-zero PIN.

Opening the auto sealed stickers to reveal the PIN.

Retrieving the test ballot from the PCOS box.
INSTALLATION
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Ensuring that the designated location within the polling
place has all the requirements needed by PCOS: proper
lighting, electrical outlet, tables and chairs and proper
ventilation.

Showing to the public that the slot labeled POLL
WORKER, which stores the main memory card, is sealed.

Assembling the ballot box.

Placing the PCOS machine on top of the ballot box.

Breaking the seal of the printer cover.

Opening the printer cover and taking the iButton security
key.

Checking if the roll of paper is properly installed (refer to
the PCOS Operators Manual) and closing the printer
cover.

Connecting the power adaptor to the PCOS AC power
port (20VAC) and plugging the other end to the electrical
outlet.

Connecting the battery to the PCOS DC power port
(12VDC).
IMPORTANT: If using only battery power, press the
RESET button above the AC power port (20VAC) with
the use of a pen or any pointed object.
The battery must be placed on some insulated material
(i.e. cardboard or styrofoam).

Waiting until the PCOS displays the message “PLEASE
INSERT SECURITY KEY FOR AUTHENTICATION”.

Placing the iButton security key on the security key
receptacle. Waiting until the PCOS displays the following
messages “SECURITY KEY IS VERIFIED” and
“ELECTION FILES ARE VERIFIED”. Then, the PCOS
displays the Main Menu.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (INSTALLATION) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of installation.
DIAGNOSTICS
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Conducting an initial test to ensure the readiness of the
machine:
o Selecting UTILITIES >RUN DIAGNOSTICS option.
o Performing the entire Diagnostics routine.
IMPORTANT: One of the ten test ballots will be used for
the Scanner diagnostics. Do not shade any oval in the
test ballot.
o At the end of the routine, the PCOS will display the
message “PLEASE SELECT THE DIAGNOSTICS
REPORT TYPE”. Selecting the DISPLAY option to
display the report on the LCD screen. Selecting the
PRINT option and the PCOS will print Diagnostics
Report.
o The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU
LIKE TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.
IMPORTANT: The report should contain the message
“Machine is ready for use” that is printed at the bottom.
If not, the BEI with the PCOS Technician shall verify
which component failed and repeat the diagnostics. If
the problem persists, the PCOS Technician shall call
the PCOS Supervisor.
o The PCOS will display the TABULATOR INFO, RUN
DIAGNOSTICS, RE-ZERO and PREVIOUS SCREEN
options. Selecting the PREVIOUS SCREEN option.
o Detaching the report and placing it inside its
corresponding envelope.
o Returning the test ballot used for diagnostics to the
remaining nine test ballots.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (DIAGNOSTICS) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of diagnostics.
OPEN VOTING
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The Certified IT-capable Member of the BEI selects the
OPEN VOTING option in the Main Menu.

The PCOS will request for a PIN.

The Poll Clerk enters his PIN and presses the “ENTER”
button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and display a
message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for another PIN.

The Third Member enters his PIN and presses the
“ENTER” button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and
display a message “PIN ACCEPTED”.
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 2 of 8
NOTE: If either of the passwords were not accepted,
the PCOS Technician shall assist the BEI. If the
problem persists, call the PCOS Supervisor.

The PCOS will display “INITIALIZE VOTE COUNTERS”
and “PREVIOUS SCREEN” options. The certified IT-
capable Member of the BEI selects the “INITIALIZE
VOTE COUNTERS” option. The PCOS will automatically
print the Initialization Report showing zero (“0”) vote for
each candidate including the geographic information
(province, city/municipality, barangay, voting center and
clustered precinct).

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

Detaching the Initialization Report.

All members of the BEI, including the representatives of
the political parties, candidates or citizens arms present
will sign the Initialization Report.

Placing the report inside its corresponding envelope.

The PCOS will display the message “PLEASE INSERT
BALLOT”. This indicates that the PCOS is now ready to
accept ballots.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (OPEN VOTING) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of open voting.
VOTING PROCESS
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Giving a ballot to a voter.

Requesting the voter to fill out his ballot.

Examining the ballot if properly filled out by the voter and
returning the same to the voter.

Requesting the voter to insert the filled ballot in the ballot
entry slot and waiting until the ballot is cast.

Monitoring the PCOS screen to make sure that the ballot
was successfully accepted. The message
“CONGRATULATIONS. YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN
REGISTERED.” should appear.
NOTE: Repeat this step until all the ten test ballots are
cast.
CLOSE VOTING
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The Chairman places the iButton security key on the
security key receptacle until PCOS displays the Main
Menu.

Pressing the “CLOSE VOTING” option in the Main Menu.
The PCOS will display a message “ARE YOU SURE
YOU WANT TO CLOSE VOTING? NO MORE BALLOTS
WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS.” Pressing the “YES”
option.

The PCOS will request for a PIN.

The Poll Clerk enters his PIN and presses the “ENTER”
button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and display a
message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for another PIN.

The Third Member enters his PIN and presses the
“ENTER” button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and
display a message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO DIGITALLY SIGN THE RESULTS WITH THE BEI
SIGNATURE KEY?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will display the message “ARE YOU SURE
YOU DO NOT WANT TO APPLY ANY DIGITAL
SIGNATURES ANYMORE?” Selecting the YES option.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (CLOSE VOTING) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of close voting.
PRINTING THE ELECTION RETURNS
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The PCOS will print eight (8) copies of Election Returns
(ER) for National positions.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will print eight (8) copies of Election Returns
(ER) for Local positions.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

The BEI detaches the ER from the PCOS.

The BEI places the ER inside its corresponding envelope.
NO TRANSMISSION FOR FINAL TESTING AND
SEALING
IMPORTANT: Final testing and sealing does not require
transmission of results.

The PCOS will display the messages “PREPARING
ELECTION REPORT. PLEASE WAIT”.

The PCOS will then display the message “READY TO
TRANSMIT. PLEASE PLUG IN TRANSMISSION CABLE
TO ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMIT ELECTION
REPORTS AND PRESS OK TO CONTINUE.” Pressing
the SKIP option.

The PCOS will display the message “ARE YOU SURE
YOU WISH TO SKIP CONNECTING TO THE MODEM?”
Pressing the “YES” option.

The PCOS will display the message “FAILED TO
TRANSMIT RESULTS. TRANSMISSION PROCESS
FAILED. PLEASE DISCONNECT TRANSMISSION
CABLE” Followed by the message “PRINTING
TRANSMISSION REPORT. PLEASE WAIT…”

The PCOS will print the Transmission Report.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option. Then the PCOS displays the
Main Menu

Detaching the Transmission Report and placing it inside
its corresponding envelope.
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 3 of 8
RE-ZERO

THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
ACTIVITIES with the assistance of the PCOS Technician
(when requested):

Selecting UTILITIES>RE-ZERO option.

The PCOS will request for a PIN.

The Poll Clerk enters his PIN and presses the “ENTER”
button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and display a
message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for another PIN.

The Third Member enters his PIN and presses the
“ENTER” button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and
display a message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for the PIN to RE-ZERO the polls.

The BEI Chairman shall enter the RE-ZERO PIN. The
PCOS will validate the PIN and displays the message
“INITIALIZING VOTE COUNTERS. (ENSURING THAT
VOTE COUNTERS ARE SET TO ZERO.) PLEASE
WAIT.” Followed by the message “RESULTS HAVE
BEEN INITIALIZED”. Then the PCOS displays the Main
Menu.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (RE-ZERO) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of re-zero.
VALIDATION OF THE RESULTS
THIS ACTIVITY COVERS THE VALIDATION OF RESULTS
GENERATED BY PCOS AGAINST THE MANUALLY
TABULATED RESULTS.
NOTE: If the discrepancy is not resolved by the BEI and
PCOS Technician, the PCOS Technician shall inform
the situation to the PCOS Supervisor. The BEI and the
PCOS Technician shall receive assistance to resolve
the discrepancy.
SHUTDOWN
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Pressing SHUTDOWN option.
Storing the PCOS box, battery box, ballot box, and BGAN

The PCOS will display the message “ARE YOU box in a secured area inside the polling place.
CERTAIN YOU WANT TO SHUTDOWN THIS PCOS?”
Leaving the PCOS box, battery box, ballot box, and
Pressing the YES option. BGAN box inside the polling place properly secured.

The PCOS will display the message “SHUTTING IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
DOWN…” Waiting until the light of the screen turns off. reporting (FINAL TESTING AND SEALING /

Disconnecting the battery from the PCOS machine. CONCLUSION) according to the guidelines provided. If

Disconnecting the battery cable from the battery. no text confirmation is received or an error message is

Disconnecting the Power cable of the PCOS machine received from NSC, send a text message to your
from the electrical outlet. respective Supervisor requesting assistance to report

Disconnecting the Power cable from the PCOS machine. the status of conclusion.
SEALING
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Retrieving the backup memory card from the PCOS box.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the PCOS machine is
shutdown before inserting any memory card to the
access compartments.

Opening the Administrator slot and inserting the backup
memory card.

Closing and sealing the Administrator slot using the
COMELEC seal.

Opening the printer compartment and placing the iButton
security key inside.

Closing and sealing the printer compartment using the
COMELEC seal.

Removing the PCOS machine from the ballot box.

Locking and sealing the ballot box.
FINAL TESTING AND SEALING (CONCLUSION)
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Ensuring all contents of the PCOS box is complete using
the list provided during reception.

Sealing the top of the PCOS box using the green paper
seal.

Packing the battery and all peripherals in the battery box.

Packing the BGAN and all peripherals in the BGAN box (if
applicable).
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 4 of 8
 ELECTION DAY
MAY 10, 2010
NOTE: The PCOS Technician shall bring his fully
charged mobile phone (with charger) and writing pen.
5:00 am ATTENDANCE
The PCOS Technician shall arrive in the assigned polling
place not later than 6:00am.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS attendance reporting according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
MAY 10, 2010 your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report your attendance to NSC.
RECEPTION
The PCOS Technician shall conduct the following activities:

Proceed to the PCOS box from where it was securely
placed.
PCOS TECHNICIANS
Check the PCOS box/boxes and ensure that the green
sticker seal / COMELEC seal are still intact and there are
no signs of tampering.
PROTOCOL IMPORTANT: Call the PCOS Supervisor if there are
signs of tampering of the PCOS.
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Showing to the public and the watchers present that the
Election Day PCOS box is sealed and the ballot box is locked and
empty.

Package of official ballots and the Book of Voters are
both duly sealed.
IMPORTANT: Verify with the BEI if they have ballots
with them. Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (BALLOT RECEPTION) according to the
guidelines provided. If no text confirmation is received
or an error message is received from NSC, send a text
message to your respective Supervisor requesting
assistance to report the status of reception.

Removing the seal and opening the PCOS box.

Getting the checklist.

Verifying if the serial number of the PCOS matches with
the serial number indicated in the checklist.

Verifying the contents of the PCOS box as per list
indicated in the reception during testing and sealing.
NOTE: The Administrator and Poll Worker slots that
contain the Main and Backup memory cards of the
PCOS Machine should be intact and sealed.

Opening the Battery box.
NOTE: Call the PCOS Supervisor if any peripherals or
supplies are missing.

Retrieving and distributing the PINs among the BEI’s.
INSTALLATION
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Placing the PCOS machine on top of the ballot box.

Breaking the seal of the printer cover

Opening the printer cover and taking the iButton security
key.

Verifying that the roll of paper is already properly installed
and closing the printer cover.

Connecting the power adaptor to the PCOS AC power
port (20VAC) and plugging the other end to the electrical
outlet.

Connecting the battery to the PCOS DC power port
(12VDC).
IMPORTANT: If using only battery power, press the
RESET button above the AC power port (20VAC) with
the use of a pen or any pointed object.
The battery must be placed on some insulated material
(i.e. cardboard or styrofoam).

Waiting until the PCOS displays the message “PLEASE
INSERT SECURITY KEY FOR AUTHENTICATION”.

Placing the iButton security key on the security key
receptacle. Waiting until the PCOS displays the following
messages “SECURITY KEY IS VERIFIED” and
“ELECTION FILES ARE VERIFIED”. Then, the PCOS
displays the Main Menu.
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 5 of 8

IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (INSTALLATION) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of installation.
OPEN VOTING
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Selecting the OPEN VOTING button in the Main Menu.

The PCOS will request for a PIN.

The Poll Clerk enters his PIN and presses the “ENTER”
button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and display a
message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for another PIN.

The Third Member enters his PIN and presses the
“ENTER” button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and
display a message “PIN ACCEPTED”.
NOTE: If either of the passwords were not accepted,
the PCOS Technician shall assist the BEI. If the
problem persists, call the PCOS Supervisor.

The PCOS will display “INITIALIZE VOTE COUNTERS”
and “PREVIOUS SCREEN” options. The certified IT-
capable Member of the BEI selects the “INITIALIZE
VOTE COUNTERS” option. The PCOS will automatically
print the Initialization Report showing zero (“0”) vote for
each candidate including the geographic information
(province, city/municipality, barangay, voting center and
clustered precinct).

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

Detaching the Initialization Report.

All members of the BEI, including the representatives of
the political parties, candidates or citizens arms present
will sign the Initialization Report.

Placing the report inside its corresponding envelope.

The PCOS will display the message “PLEASE INSERT
BALLOT”. This indicates that the PCOS is now ready to
accept ballots.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (OPEN VOTING) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of open voting.
7:00 am VOTING PROCESS
THE BEI SHALL CONDUCT THE VOTING PROCESS
ACCORDING TO THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH BY
THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BOARD OF
ELECTION INSPECTORS.
06:00 pm CLOSE VOTING
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The Chairman places the iButton security key on the
security key receptacle until PCOS displays the Main
Menu.

Selecting the “CLOSE VOTING” option in the Main Menu.
The screen will display a message “ARE YOU SURE
YOU WANT TO CLOSE VOTING? NO MORE BALLOTS
WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS.” Select “YES”
option.

The PCOS will request for a PIN.

The Poll Clerk enters his PIN and presses the “ENTER”
button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and display a
message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will request for another PIN.

The Third Member enters his PIN and presses the
“ENTER” button. The PCOS will validate the PIN and
display a message “PIN ACCEPTED”.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO DIGITALLY SIGN THE RESULTS WITH THE BEI
SIGNATURE KEY?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will display the message “ARE YOU SURE
YOU DO NOT WANT TO APPLY ANY DIGITAL
SIGNATURES ANYMORE?” Selecting the YES option.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (CLOSE VOTING) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of close voting.
PRINTING THE ELECTION RETURNS
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The PCOS will print eight (8) copies of Election Returns
(ER) for National positions.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will print eight (8) copies of Election Returns
(ER) for Local positions.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

The BEI shall detach the ERs.

Members of the BEI shall affix their signatures and thumb
marks. The watchers present will also sign the ERs.

The poll clerk shall announce the posting of a copy of the
ER both for national and local positions on a wall within
the premises of the polling place/counting center which
must be sufficiently lighted and accessible to the public,
and proceed to post such copies.

Placing each copy of ER in its corresponding envelope
and sealing with a paper seal.
TRANSMISSION
IMPORTANT: If the PCOS box assigned to the polling
place does not have any transmission medium (modem
or BGAN), the PCOS Technician shall borrow one from
the nearest polling place within the same polling center
that has a transmission medium.
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 6 of 8
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

The PCOS will then display the message “READY TO
TRANSMIT. PLEASE PLUG IN TRANSMISSION CABLE
TO ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMIT ELECTION
REPORTS AND PRESS OK TO CONTINUE.”

Connecting the transmission medium to transmission port
of the PCOS and pressing the OK button when ready.
o If using the modem:
▫ Screwing the antenna to the modem clockwise and
bending the antenna upwards.
▫ Installing the SIM card.
▫ Opening the cover of the PCOS transmission port.
▫ Retrieving the transmission cable from the PCOS
box. Connecting the RJ45 connector to the PCOS
and the other end of the transmission cable to the
modem.
o If using the BGAN:
▫ Opening the cover of the PCOS transmission port.
▫ Retrieving the transmission cable from the PCOS
box. Connecting the RJ45 connector to the PCOS
and the other end of the transmission cable to the
modem (included in the BGAN box).
▫ Installing the BGAN SIM card (found in the BGAN
box) in the BGAN.
▫ Installing the BGAN battery.
▫ Connecting the BGAN to the modem using the RJ45
LAN cable.
▫ Connecting the Power cord to the power adaptor of
the BGAN.
▫ Connecting the power adaptor to the BGAN.
▫ Connecting the Power cord to an electrical outlet. If
needed, use the electrical extension cord.
NOTE: If there is no electricity, use the backup battery
power.
▫ Placing the BGAN to an outdoor location with a clear
sight facing the sky and aligning the BGAN
accordingly.
▫ Turning on the BGAN by pressing the power on
button
▫ Waiting until the BGAN connects to the service
provider and acquire ideal signal strength.
NOTE: For an acceptable service to start, minimum
signal strength of 45 dBHz is required. The signal
strength is displayed in the LCD of the BGAN.

Once the PCOS machine detects the presence of a
transmission medium, it will automatically transmit the
data. Then, the PCOS will display the message
“ELECTION REPORT SUCCESSFULLY TRANSMITTED
TO MBOC”. This indicates successful transmission to
MBOC. Similar message is expected for Central Server
and KBP.

After transmission, the PCOS will print the Transmission
Report.

Verifying from the Transmission Report that all target
servers have successful transmission.
IMPORTANT: In case of transmission failure, the BEI
will follow the appropriate procedure for re-
transmission based on the General Instructions. If the
BEI is unable to resolve the problem, the BEI shall
perform the contingency plan.

Unplugging the transmission medium.

The PCOS will display the message “WOULD YOU LIKE
TO PRINT MORE COPIES OF THIS REPORT?”
Pressing the NO option.

Detaching the Transmission Report and placing it inside
its corresponding envelope.
IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
reporting (TRANSMISSION) according to the guidelines
provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error
message is received from NSC, send a text message to
your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
report the status of transmission.
PRINTING OF REMAINING ER, STATISTICS REPORT,
AUDIT LOGS AND BACKUP
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Installing a new roll of thermal paper when prompted and
selecting the OK button when ready.

The PCOS will print twenty two (22) copies of ER for
National positions.

The BEI shall detach the ER. The PCOS will display the
message “WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRINT MORE COPIES
OF THIS REPORT?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will print twenty two (22) copies of ER for the
Local positions.

The BEI shall detach the ER. The PCOS will display the
message “WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRINT MORE COPIES
OF THIS REPORT?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will print the Statistics Report.

The BEI shall detach the report. The PCOS will display
the message “WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRINT MORE
COPIES OF THIS REPORT?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will print the Audit Log Report

The BEI shall detach the report. The PCOS will display
the message “WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRINT MORE
COPIES OF THIS REPORT?” Pressing the NO option.

The PCOS will automatically create back-up of files

Selecting the OK button and the PCOS will display the
Main Menu.

Members of the BEI shall affix their signatures and thumb
marks on the ERs

The watchers present shall also sign the ERs.

Placing the twenty-two (22) copies of ER for National
positions, twenty-two (22) copies of ER for Local
positions, Statistics Report and Audit Log Report inside
its corresponding envelope.
SHUTDOWN
THE BEI SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
with the assistance of the PCOS Technician (when
requested):

Selecting SHUTDOWN option.

The PCOS will display the message “ARE YOU
CERTAIN YOU WANT TO SHUTDOWN THIS PCOS?”
Selecting the “YES” button.

The PCOS will display the message “Shutting down…”
Waiting until the light of the screen turns off.

Disconnecting the battery from the PCOS machine.

Disconnecting the battery cable from the battery.
PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 7 of 8

Disconnecting the Power cord of the PCOS machine from IMPORTANT: Send text message to the NSC for status
the electrical outlet. reporting (CONCLUSION) according to the guidelines

Disconnecting the Power cord from the PCOS machine. provided. If no text confirmation is received or an error

Disconnecting the transmission medium (if needed). message is received from NSC, send a text message to

Removing the PCOS machine from the ballot box. your respective Supervisor requesting assistance to
IMPORTANT: Ensure that the PCOS machine is turned report the status of conclusion.
off before removing any memory card from the memory
slot.

Breaking the seal and opening the compartment of the
memory card labeled Poll Worker.

Removing the main memory card and placing inside its
corresponding envelope and labeling the envelope as
TRANSMITTED or NOT TRANSMITTED whichever is
applicable.

Turning-over the PCOS to the PCOS Technician in the
polling center.
CONCLUSION
The PCOS Technician will conduct the following activities:
IMPORTANT: Ensure that all items, as per checklist, are
surrendered by the BEI to the PCOS Technician.
Request the BEI to sign the checklist. Call the PCOS
Supervisor if any peripherals are missing.

IMPORTANT: Verify with the courier that all items, as

per checklist, are packaged by the PCOS Technician.
Request the courier to sign the checklist.

Open the printer compartment and place the iButton
security key inside the printer compartment.

Close the printer compartment.

Ensure all contents of the PCOS box is complete using
the list provided during reception in the testing and
sealing with the exception of the main memory card,
consumed rolls of thermal paper and seals.

Seal the top of the PCOS box using the yellow seal.

Pack the battery and all peripherals in the battery box.

Pack the BGAN and all peripherals in the BGAN box (if
applicable).

Wait for the courier to receive the PCOS boxes, battery
box and BGAN box.

PCOS Technicians Protocol Page 8 of 8