MANILA -- Four ballots were rejected by a precint count optical scan (PCOS) machine and three poll machines encountered problems in transmission during the second field test, the poll body confirmed.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted a second field test in four precincts located in Taguig and Pateros to allow interested politicians and reporters to observe the test.

These precincts were Pamantasan ng Taguig Elementary School and Maharlika Elementary School in Taguig, and Pateros Elementary School and Aguho Elementary School in Pateros.

In Aguho Elementary School, a PCOS machine failed to read four test ballots.

NCR Regional Director Michael Juneda said the ballots might be a little crumpled because these were the same ballots used in the first field test conducted on January 27.

"The Technical Working Group is discussing this matter. Again, the purpose of the test is exactly to test the system and there are some things that we observed today that will help us in the conduct of elections on May," said Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal.

The PCOS machine that failed to read the ballots was brought to the Comelec office to determine the problem. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)