Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The elections on May 9 will rely largely on machines. To make sure the technology is reliable and trustworthy, the law states that a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) must certify the system and vote-counting machines, laptops, and servers.

Technical experts from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) make up the TEC. They should have certified the system in February — 90 days before the elections, but it turns out there is no certification yet.

Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal explained its impact.

"The TEC certification kasi is the seal of approval saying that, 'Ok, we've tested the system, we've tested the hardware, we've tested the software. It's go. We're ready for the elections. You can use this for the elections,'" Atty. Larrazabal said on Friday (April 29).

The Comelec met setbacks in its preparations for the polls: In February, they had to repeat finalizing the system's source code several times; in March, the Supreme Court ordered them to print voter receipts. It meant re-configuring polling equipment, which caused more delays.

Larrazabal said these, plus the lack of a certified system, will cast doubt on the credibility of the elections.

"That's why you have people now questioning the integrity of the system."

The Comelec admitted there is still no certification because they are not done with pre-logic and accuracy tests (pre-LAT) of the machines.

"I think tinatapos pa yung pre-LAT. That was either yesterday or today. So let's follow up with them... All I know about that certification right now is that it will be issued as soon as the pre-LAT is finished," said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

Larrazabal said the Comelec should have explained to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System early on why the certification is delayed. The certification is supposed to be submitted to the committee.

But even with barely over a week before the polls, he said there is still time for the Comelec to comply with this crucial requirement.